Lesson Plan

• Describe how the slope and the area under each kinematics graph represent velocity, acceleration, displacement or distance.
• Apply the slope‑and‑area concepts to solve typical IGCSE kinematics problems using the five standard graphs.
• Analyse a given graph to determine the motion characteristics, state the answer with correct units and indicate direction where required.
• Identify common pitfalls such as confusing signed displacement with unsigned distance.

• Projector and screen
• Whiteboard and coloured markers
• Graph paper and rulers
• Scientific calculators
• Worksheet with mixed kinematics graphs
• Exit‑ticket slips

Begin with the question “How can we know how far a car has travelled just by looking at a line on a graph?” Students recall their prior knowledge of speed, velocity and acceleration. Explain that today’s success criteria are to read slopes and areas correctly and to use them to answer exam‑style kinematics questions.

1. Do‑now (5'): Quick quiz on slope = rate of change and area = total change.
2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Review the five graph types, emphasising slope and area meanings; demonstrate with projector.
3. Guided practice (15'): Work through Example 1 (uniform acceleration) together, sketching the v‑t graph and calculating displacement.
4. Pair activity (15'): Worksheet with mixed graphs; students identify the required quantity, read slopes/areas, solve and record answers.
5. Whole‑class discussion (10'): Share solutions, highlight common pitfalls from the source notes.
6. Exit ticket (5'): One new graph problem for each student to interpret and state the result.

Recap that slopes give instantaneous rates while areas give total change, and stress checking the sign of the area for direction. Collect exit tickets and assign homework: complete an additional worksheet containing three varied graph problems to reinforce today’s skills.