Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Physics
Lesson Topic: determine displacement from the area under a velocity–time graph
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the relationship between velocity, time and displacement as the area under a velocity–time graph.
  • Identify the shape of a velocity–time graph and select the appropriate geometric area formula.
  • Calculate displacement by breaking the graph into simple shapes and applying sign conventions.
  • Solve A‑Level style problems that involve direction changes using the area‑method.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Graph paper and rulers
  • Worksheets with velocity–time graphs
  • Calculator
  • Printed A‑Level practice questions
  • Whiteboard markers
 Introduction:

Begin with a quick visual of a moving car and ask students what the graph of its speed looks like. Review that velocity is the rate of change of displacement (v = dx/dt) and that the area under a velocity–time graph represents displacement. State that by the end of the lesson they will be able to determine displacement from any velocity–time graph using area concepts.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Students write the definition v = dx/dt and note that integrating v over time gives displacement.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Explain the area‑under‑curve method, introduce rectangles, triangles and trapezia, and discuss sign convention.
  3. Guided example (10'): Work through the car‑acceleration example, students follow calculations on their worksheets.
  4. Paired activity (15'): Each pair receives a set of velocity–time graphs, breaks them into shapes, computes signed areas and records displacement.
  5. Class discussion (10'): Groups share results, teacher highlights common mistakes (missing negative signs, unit errors).
  6. Exit ticket (5'): Individually solve a new graph problem; collect for quick assessment.
Conclusion:

Summarise that displacement equals the signed area under the velocity–time graph and that breaking complex graphs into simple shapes makes calculation straightforward. Collect exit tickets to gauge understanding, and remind students to complete the homework worksheet containing three additional graphs. Homework: complete the worksheet and bring any questions to the next class.