Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 18/01/2026
Subject: Physics
Lesson Topic: Define acceleration as change in velocity per unit time; recall and use the equation a = Δv / Δt
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe acceleration as the change in velocity per unit time.
  • Calculate acceleration using the formula a = Δv / Δt.
  • Interpret the units of acceleration (m/s²).
  • Solve basic acceleration problems involving given velocities and time intervals.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • IGCSE Physics textbook
  • Worksheets with practice problems
  • Stopwatch
  • Toy car or video of an accelerating car
  • Calculator
  • Whiteboard and markers
 Introduction:
Begin with a short video of a car speeding up to capture interest. Review the concept of velocity as a vector and ask students to recall how speed changes over time. Explain that today they will define acceleration and learn to calculate it using a = Δv / Δt, which will be the success criteria for the lesson.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑Now (5'): Quick question on velocity differences posted on the board.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Define acceleration, present the equation a = Δv / Δt, and discuss units.
  3. Guided example (10'): Work through the car problem step‑by‑step, calculating Δv, Δt, and a.
  4. Interactive activity (15'): Students use stopwatches and toy cars to measure acceleration and record data.
  5. Practice worksheet (10'): Individual problems while teacher circulates to address misconceptions.
  6. Check for understanding (5'): Exit ticket – one‑sentence definition of acceleration and a numeric calculation.
Conclusion:
Summarise that acceleration measures how quickly velocity changes and is expressed in m/s². Highlight how the equation a = Δv / Δt links the three quantities. For the exit ticket, students write a brief definition and calculate acceleration for a new scenario. Homework: complete the additional worksheet on acceleration problems.