Lesson Plan

Resources → Subject Notes → Physics → Notes
Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Physics
Lesson Topic: Know that friction (drag) acts on an object moving through a gas (e.g. air resistance)
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe what drag (air resistance) is and how it differs from surface friction.
  • Explain the factors that affect the magnitude of drag on an object moving through a gas.
  • Apply the linear and quadratic drag equations to predict the force on falling objects.
  • Analyse simple experiments (paper parachute, falling object) to identify drag effects.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • PowerPoint slides/visuals of drag diagrams
  • Worksheet with drag calculation problems
  • Paper, scissors, string for a paper‑parachute activity
  • Stopwatch or timer
  • Ruler or measuring tape
  • Calculator or online simulation
 Introduction:
Begin with a short video of a skydiver and a paper parachute to capture interest. Ask students what they notice about objects falling at different speeds and shapes, linking to prior knowledge of friction. State that today they will understand how drag acts on objects moving through air and how to predict its size. Success will be measured by correctly explaining the factors influencing drag and using the appropriate equation.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Quick quiz on surface friction vs. drag.
  2. Teacher input (10'): Present definition, direction, and comparison with surface friction using slides.
  3. Exploration (15'): Demonstration with paper parachutes; students record fall times for different shapes/areas.
  4. Concept development (10'): Discuss factors, introduce linear and quadratic drag equations, work through example calculations.
  5. Guided practice (10'): Worksheet problems applying the equations to a skydiver and other falling objects.
  6. Check for understanding (5'): Exit ticket – one sentence describing how speed influences drag.
Conclusion:
Summarise that drag always opposes motion and grows with speed, area, shape, density, and viscosity. Highlight the two equations for low‑ and high‑speed regimes. For homework, assign a problem set to calculate drag on a moving car using the quadratic formula.