Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Physics
Lesson Topic: State that: (a) galaxies are each made up of many billions of stars (b) the Sun is a star in the galaxy known as the Milky Way (c) other stars that make up the Milky Way are much further away from the Earth than the Sun is from the Earth (d) astronom
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe how galaxies consist of billions of stars.
  • Explain that the Sun is one star within the Milky Way galaxy.
  • Compare the distances of other Milky Way stars to the Sun relative to Earth.
  • Calculate and use light‑years as a unit for astronomical distances.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen for slides/diagrams
  • Printed worksheet with distance comparison table
  • Diagram of the Milky Way showing the Sun’s position
  • Calculator for unit conversions
  • Whiteboard and markers
 Introduction:
Begin with a short video of a night‑sky timelapse to spark curiosity about the stars. Ask students what they already know about the Sun’s place in the universe and how we measure huge distances. Explain that by the end of the lesson they will be able to state key facts about galaxies, the Sun’s location, and use light‑years as a distance unit.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5 min): Quick quiz on the previous lesson about solar‑system scale.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10 min): Present key concepts – galaxies, the Milky Way, the Sun’s position, and the definition of a light‑year.
  3. Interactive activity (12 min): Pairs work with the worksheet to compare distances (AU vs. light‑years) and plot them on a scaled diagram.
  4. Demonstration (8 min): Show a scaled model of the Milky Way on the projector, highlighting relative distances.
  5. Check for understanding (5 min): Whole‑class questioning and an exit ticket asking one fact from each objective.
  6. Wrap‑up (5 min): Recap main points and assign homework.
Conclusion:
Review the four statements learned today, emphasizing the vastness of galactic distances and the usefulness of light‑years. Students complete an exit ticket writing one new fact they can recall. For homework, they research another star’s distance and convert it to light‑years.