Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Physics
Lesson Topic: understand and use the notation A Z X for the representation of nuclides
Learning Objective/s:
  • Read and write nuclide notation AZX correctly.
  • Identify the atomic number (Z), mass number (A) and calculate the number of neutrons (N = A‑Z).
  • Apply the notation to balance nuclear reaction equations and verify conservation of A and Z.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • Periodic‑table handouts
  • Worksheet with practice questions
  • Set of printed nuclide cards
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Scientific calculators (optional)
 Introduction:
Imagine you could tell the exact composition of any atom just by looking at a small symbol. Students already know element symbols and atomic numbers, so we’ll connect that knowledge to the full nuclide notation. By the end of the lesson they will be able to read, write and use AZX in calculations and reaction balancing.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Quick quiz on element symbols and atomic numbers.
  2. Direct instruction (10'): Explain the meaning of A, Z and X with several examples on the board.
  3. Guided practice (15'): Students use nuclide cards to read and write notation, teacher circulates for feedback.
  4. Mini‑demo (5'): Model an alpha‑decay reaction, checking conservation of A and Z.
  5. Independent practice (10'): Worksheet problems – identify Z, A, N and balance simple nuclear equations.
  6. Exit ticket (5'): Write the correct notation for a given nuclide and state its neutron number.
Conclusion:
We’ll recap how each part of the notation conveys specific nuclear information and why conservation of A and Z matters. Students hand in their exit tickets as a quick check of understanding, and for homework they will complete additional reaction‑balancing problems from the textbook.