Lesson Plan

• Describe the defining properties of electrons and neutrinos as leptons.
• Explain why electrons and neutrinos are classified as fundamental particles.
• Compare the interactions of electrons and neutrinos with other fundamental forces.
• Identify the three lepton generations and the mass differences among them.
• Apply lepton‑number conservation to a simple particle reaction.

• Projector and screen
• PowerPoint slides showing the lepton table
• Handout with lepton properties and a fill‑in table
• Whiteboard and markers
• Clicker response system (optional)

Begin with a quick poll: “What particles have we already called fundamental?” Connect this to prior knowledge of atoms and sub‑atomic structure. State that today’s success criteria are to recognise electrons and neutrinos as leptons, explain their classification, and compare their interactions.

1. Do‑now (5 min): Students list all fundamental particles recalled from the previous lesson.
2. Mini‑lecture (10 min): Present the lepton family, emphasizing electrons and neutrinos, using slides and the schematic diagram.
3. Table activity (10 min): Complete the lepton property table on the handout (charge, lepton number, mass).
4. Classification discussion (8 min): Guided Q&A on the four criteria (no colour charge, spin ½, lepton‑number conservation, family grouping).
5. Concept‑check quiz (5 min): Clicker questions on differences in electromagnetic vs. weak interactions.
6. Application task (7 min): Small groups work a simple reaction, ensuring lepton number is conserved.
7. Exit ticket (5 min): Write one key difference between the electron and the electron neutrino.

Summarise that electrons and neutrinos are both fundamental leptons, differing mainly in charge and interaction types. Collect exit tickets and highlight a strong answer. Assign homework: read the textbook section on leptons and answer the provided practice question about classifying a particle as a lepton.