Lesson Plan

Resources → Subject Notes → Mathematics → Notes
Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Mathematics
Lesson Topic: Newton’s laws of motion: force, mass, acceleration, connected particles
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe each of Newton’s three laws and their mathematical forms.
  • Explain how to apply Newton’s second law to a system of connected particles using the centre of mass.
  • Calculate the acceleration of a two‑mass system on a frictionless surface by both particle‑by‑particle and system approaches.
  • Distinguish internal versus external forces and their effect on system motion.
  • Solve basic problems involving force, mass, and acceleration with correct units.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Slides/handout with Newton’s laws and example diagram
  • Worksheet with practice problems on connected particles
  • Low‑friction carts, strings, and masses for a demo
  • Calculator or computer algebra system
  • Rulers and graph paper for vector sketches
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick demonstration: a cart on a smooth track remains at rest until a push is applied, illustrating inertia. Ask students to recall everyday examples of objects staying in motion and link them to Newton’s first law. Explain that today they will explore how forces, mass, and acceleration govern both single particles and connected systems, and that success will be shown by correctly predicting the motion of a two‑mass setup.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Students answer a short quiz on force, mass, and acceleration definitions displayed on the board.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Review Newton’s three laws, emphasise vector nature and mathematical forms using slides and diagrams.
  3. Guided example (12'): Work through the two‑mass system problem, deriving equations for each block and then the system approach with teacher prompting.
  4. Hands‑on activity (15'): In groups, students set up carts, strings, and masses, measure acceleration, and compare with calculated values.
  5. Check for understanding (8'): Quick exit questions on distinguishing internal vs external forces; students write answers on sticky notes.
  6. Summary & reflection (5'): Recap key concepts; assign homework problems from the worksheet.
Conclusion:
Summarise that Newton’s laws apply equally to individual particles and whole systems, with internal forces cancelling out. Have students complete an exit ticket stating the acceleration formula for a connected system. For homework, they will solve additional two‑mass problems and create a brief sketch of the relevant force vectors.