Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Mathematics
Lesson Topic: Work, energy and power: further applications, elastic strings and springs
Learning Objective/s:
  • Apply the work‑energy theorem to systems with variable and non‑conservative forces.
  • Calculate instantaneous and average power for forces acting at an angle to the motion.
  • Derive and use the elastic potential energy formula for springs in series and parallel.
  • Solve multi‑step A‑Level problems involving friction, inclined planes and spring‑mass systems using energy methods.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Printed worksheet with practice questions
  • Spring‑mass kit (springs, masses, clamps)
  • Scientific calculators
  • Rulers and measuring tapes
  • Graph paper for energy diagrams
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick demonstration: pull a spring‑loaded cart across the floor and ask students to predict how the stored energy will affect its motion. Recall the work‑energy theorem and power concepts covered last week, linking them to real‑world devices such as elevators and sports equipment. State that by the end of the lesson they will be able to model and solve problems that combine work, energy, power and elastic forces.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): short question on work done by a variable force; teacher checks responses.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): revisit the work‑energy theorem and introduce the power formula with slide examples.
  3. Spring concepts (10'): demonstrate series and parallel springs, derive effective k, students record formulas.
  4. Guided example (15'): work through the block‑on‑incline problem step‑by‑step; students complete calculations in pairs.
  5. Independent practice (15'): students solve two practice questions (spring‑mass SHM and motor power) using the energy checklist.
  6. Check for understanding (5'): exit ticket – write the key equation they will use for any work‑energy problem.
Conclusion:
Summarise how the work‑energy theorem, power and elastic potential energy interrelate and how the checklist streamlines problem solving. For the exit ticket, students note the most common mistake they observed today and how to avoid it. Assign homework: complete the remaining practice questions from the worksheet and prepare a short explanation of energy transfer in a real device of their choice.