Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Mechanical Properties - Investigating Hooke's Law

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- State Hooke's Law
- Investigate relationship between force and extension
- Apply Hooke's Law to weighing scales and spring balances

In groups, learners are guided to:

- Set up spiral spring with pointer and metre rule
- Add masses in steps and record extensions
- Calculate force for each mass
- Record data in table and observe pattern

What is the relationship between stretching force and extension of a spring?

- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 38
- Spiral spring, retort stand
- Masses, metre rule

- Data recording - Practical reports - Oral questions

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Mechanical Properties - Graphical analysis and spring constant

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Plot force-extension graph
- Determine spring constant from graph gradient
- Use spring constant to predict extension for given forces

In groups, learners are guided to:

- Plot graph of force against extension
- Determine gradient of straight line
- Identify spring constant from graph
- Discuss elastic limit and plastic deformation

How do we determine the spring constant of a spiral spring?

- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 39
- Graph papers
- Data from previous experiment
- Scientific calculators

- Graph plotting - Gradient calculation - Written tests

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Mechanical Properties - Combined spring constant

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Determine combined spring constant for springs in series
- Determine combined spring constant for springs in parallel
- Apply knowledge to vehicle suspension systems with multiple springs

In groups, learners are guided to:

- Connect two identical springs in series and determine combined spring constant
- Connect same springs in parallel and determine combined spring constant
- Compare combined constants with single spring constant
- Derive formulae for series and parallel combinations

Why is the combined spring constant different for series and parallel arrangements?

- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 42
- Two identical springs
- Retort stand, masses
- Metre rule

- Practical observation - Numerical problems - Written tests

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Mechanical Properties - Combined spring constant

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Determine combined spring constant for springs in series
- Determine combined spring constant for springs in parallel
- Apply knowledge to vehicle suspension systems with multiple springs

In groups, learners are guided to:

- Connect two identical springs in series and determine combined spring constant
- Connect same springs in parallel and determine combined spring constant
- Compare combined constants with single spring constant
- Derive formulae for series and parallel combinations

Why is the combined spring constant different for series and parallel arrangements?

- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 42
- Two identical springs
- Retort stand, masses
- Metre rule

- Practical observation - Numerical problems - Written tests

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Mechanical Properties - Hooke's Law in car shock absorbers
Mechanical Properties - Tensile stress and strain

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Explain application of Hooke's Law in shock absorbers
- Describe how suspension systems work
- Relate overloading of vehicles to damage of shock absorbers

- Define tensile stress and tensile strain
- Calculate stress and strain using formulae
- Apply stress-strain concepts to engineering structures like bridges and buildings

In groups, learners are guided to:

- Research application of Hooke's Law in car shock absorbers
- Discuss how shock absorbers compress and extend
- Explain damping effect in suspension systems
- Discuss effects of overloading on vehicle springs

- Discuss meaning of tensile stress (Force/Area) and tensile strain (extension/original length)
- Derive formula for stress and strain
- Solve numerical problems involving stress and strain

How do shock absorbers provide a smooth ride on bumpy roads?
Why is stress measured in N/m² while strain has no units?

- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 47
- Shock absorber diagrams
- Digital resources

- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 48
- Scientific calculators
- Worked examples

- Oral questions - Written assignments - Research presentations
- Numerical exercises - Written tests - Oral questions

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Mechanical Properties - Tensile stress and strain

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Define tensile stress and tensile strain
- Calculate stress and strain using formulae
- Apply stress-strain concepts to engineering structures like bridges and buildings

In groups, learners are guided to:

- Discuss meaning of tensile stress (Force/Area) and tensile strain (extension/original length)
- Derive formula for stress and strain
- Solve numerical problems involving stress and strain

Why is stress measured in N/m² while strain has no units?

- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 48
- Scientific calculators
- Worked examples

- Numerical exercises - Written tests - Oral questions

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Mechanical Properties - Young's Modulus determination

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Define Young's Modulus
- Calculate Young's Modulus from stress and strain
- Interpret stress-strain graphs for material selection in construction

In groups, learners are guided to:

- Derive Young's Modulus as ratio of stress to strain
- Plot stress-strain graph and identify regions
- Identify elastic limit, yield point and breaking point
- Solve problems involving Young's Modulus

What does the stress-strain graph tell us about material behavior?

- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 50
- Graph papers
- Scientific calculators

- Graph interpretation - Numerical problems - Written tests

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Mechanical Properties - Industrial applications

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Describe industrial applications of mechanical properties
- Select appropriate materials for specific applications
- Apply material selection principles to everyday items like scissors, springs and brake pads

In groups, learners are guided to:

- Research applications in manufacturing, automobile and construction industries
- Discuss material selection for bridges, wires, cutting tools
- Identify properties required for various products
- Present findings on importance of mechanical properties

Why do engineers study mechanical properties before selecting materials?

- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 52
- Digital resources
- Sample products (springs, wires, tools)

- Presentations - Oral questions - Written assignments

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Temperature and Thermal Expansion - Meaning of temperature

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Define temperature as a measure of degree of hotness or coldness
- Identify the SI unit of temperature and other units
- Relate temperature measurement to everyday activities like cooking and weather forecasting

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Discuss with peers the meaning of temperature
- Carry out activities to demonstrate hotness and coldness using water at different temperatures
- Use digital resources to search for temperature units and conversion formulas

How do we measure the degree of hotness or coldness of a body?

- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 56
- Bowls of water at different temperatures
- Digital resources

- Oral questions - Observation - Written assignments

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Temperature and Thermal Expansion - Meaning of temperature
Temperature and Thermal Expansion - Temperature conversion

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Define temperature as a measure of degree of hotness or coldness
- Identify the SI unit of temperature and other units
- Relate temperature measurement to everyday activities like cooking and weather forecasting

- Convert temperature from Celsius to Kelvin and vice versa
- Convert temperature from Celsius to Fahrenheit and vice versa
- Connect temperature conversions to international weather reports and scientific research

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Discuss with peers the meaning of temperature
- Carry out activities to demonstrate hotness and coldness using water at different temperatures
- Use digital resources to search for temperature units and conversion formulas
- Discuss conversion formulas for temperature
- Solve numerical problems on temperature conversion
- Use digital resources to verify temperature conversions

How do we measure the degree of hotness or coldness of a body?
Why is it important to convert temperature between different scales?

- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 56
- Bowls of water at different temperatures
- Digital resources
- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 56
- Scientific calculators
- Digital resources

- Oral questions - Observation - Written assignments
- Written tests - Oral questions - Problem-solving exercises

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Temperature and Thermal Expansion - Liquid-in-glass thermometers

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Identify parts of a liquid-in-glass thermometer
- Describe the working principle of alcohol-in-glass thermometer
- Relate liquid-in-glass thermometers to medical and laboratory temperature measurements

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Identify and draw liquid-in-glass thermometer and label its parts
- Measure temperature of water at different temperatures using alcohol thermometer
- Discuss advantages and limitations of alcohol thermometers

How does liquid expansion help in measuring temperature?

- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 57
- Alcohol-in-glass thermometer
- Beakers with water
- Heat source

- Practical assessment - Observation - Oral questions

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Temperature and Thermal Expansion - Clinical thermometer

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Identify features of a clinical thermometer
- Explain the function of the constriction in clinical thermometers
- Connect clinical thermometer use to healthcare and disease diagnosis

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Draw and label parts of a clinical thermometer
- Measure body temperature using a clinical thermometer
- Discuss why clinical thermometers have constrictions

Why does a clinical thermometer have a constriction?

- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 59
- Clinical thermometer
- Antiseptic
- Cotton wool

- Practical assessment - Oral questions - Written tests

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Temperature and Thermal Expansion - Thermocouple thermometer
Temperature and Thermal Expansion - RTDs and thermistors

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Explain the working principle of thermocouple thermometers
- Describe the Seebeck effect
- Relate thermocouple thermometers to industrial temperature measurement in furnaces and engines

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Set up a thermocouple thermometer with hot and cold junctions
- Measure temperature using thermocouple
- Discuss industrial applications of thermocouples

How does temperature difference between two junctions produce voltage?

- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 60
- Thermocouple with voltmeter
- Heat source
- Melting ice
- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 61
- Digital thermometer
- Digital resources
- Reference books

- Practical assessment - Observation - Written questions

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Temperature and Thermal Expansion - Infrared and bimetallic thermometers
Temperature and Thermal Expansion - Expansion in solids

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Explain the working principle of infrared thermometers
- Describe how bimetallic strips work in thermometers
- Relate infrared thermometers to contactless temperature screening in hospitals and airports

- Demonstrate thermal expansion in solids using ball and ring apparatus
- Explain why solids expand when heated
- Connect thermal expansion to why tight jar lids loosen when heated

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Use infrared thermometer to measure temperature of different surfaces
- Discuss the distance-to-spot ratio in infrared thermometers
- Identify parts of bimetallic thermometer
- Carry out activities using ball and ring apparatus to demonstrate expansion
- Discuss particle theory explanation for expansion
- Record observations and draw conclusions

Why are infrared thermometers preferred for contactless temperature measurement?
Why does a heated ball fail to pass through a ring it passed through when cold?

- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 60
- Infrared thermometer
- Bimetallic thermometer
- Various surfaces
- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 64
- Ball and ring apparatus
- Heat source
- Safety equipment

- Practical assessment - Oral questions - Written tests
- Practical assessment - Observation - Written questions

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Temperature and Thermal Expansion - Linear expansivity

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Define linear expansivity
- Calculate change in length using the linear expansion formula
- Relate linear expansivity to expansion gaps in railway tracks and bridges

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Measure initial and final lengths of heated metal rods
- Calculate linear expansivity from experimental data
- Apply the formula ΔL = αL₀Δθ to solve problems

How does the type of material affect its expansion?

- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 65
- Metal rods (iron, copper, aluminium)
- Heat source
- Ruler/measuring tape

- Written tests - Practical assessment - Problem-solving exercises

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Temperature and Thermal Expansion - Expansion in liquids

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Demonstrate thermal expansion in liquids
- Explain why the liquid level first falls then rises when heated
- Connect liquid expansion to the working of liquid-in-glass thermometers

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Set up apparatus with flask, tube and coloured water
- Heat the flask and observe liquid level changes
- Discuss why flask expands before liquid

Why does the liquid level initially fall before rising when heated?

- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 67
- Round-bottomed flask
- Narrow tube with cork
- Coloured water
- Heat source

- Practical assessment - Observation - Oral questions

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Temperature and Thermal Expansion - Anomalous expansion of water

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Explain the anomalous expansion of water between 0°C and 4°C
- Describe why ice floats on water
- Connect anomalous expansion to survival of aquatic life in frozen lakes during winter

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Use digital resources to research anomalous expansion of water
- Discuss the density-temperature graph of water
- Explain formation of ice on water surfaces

Why does ice float on water?

- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 68
- Digital resources
- Charts showing density vs temperature
- Reference books

- Oral questions - Written assignments - Group discussions

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Temperature and Thermal Expansion - Applications in daily life

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Describe applications of thermal expansion in bridges and railways
- Explain the working of bimetallic strips in thermostats
- Connect thermal expansion to car indicator systems, electric kettles and fire alarms

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Discuss expansion joints in bridges and railways
- Explain working of bimetallic strip in thermostats
- Use digital resources to search for applications of thermal expansion

How do engineers account for thermal expansion in construction?

- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 71
- Pictures of expansion joints
- Bimetallic strip
- Digital resources

- Written tests - Oral questions - Project work

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Moments and Equilibrium - Centre of gravity of regular objects

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Define centre of gravity
- Determine the C.O.G of regular shaped objects (square, rectangle, circle)
- Relate centre of gravity to balancing objects on fingertips

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Use balancing method to find C.O.G of regular cut-outs
- Use geometrical construction (diagonals) to locate C.O.G
- Compare results from both methods

Where is the centre of gravity of a square located?

- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 78
- Cut-out shapes (square, rectangle, circle)
- Pencil for balancing
- Ruler

- Practical assessment - Observation - Oral questions

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Moments and Equilibrium - Centre of gravity of triangles

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Determine C.O.G of triangular objects using medians
- Locate C.O.G at intersection of medians
- Apply knowledge of C.O.G to understanding stability of triangular structures

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Cut out triangular shapes from cardboard
- Construct medians and mark intersection point
- Verify C.O.G by balancing on pencil tip

How do we find the centre of gravity of a triangle?

- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 80
- Triangular cut-outs
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Marker

- Practical assessment - Written questions - Observation

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Moments and Equilibrium - Centre of gravity of irregular objects

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Determine C.O.G of irregular objects using plumb line method
- Explain why suspended objects align with C.O.G below pivot
- Connect plumb line method to levelling tools used in construction

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Suspend irregular lamina from different points
- Use plumb line to draw vertical lines
- Mark intersection as C.O.G and verify by balancing

Why do all vertical lines through suspension points meet at one point?

- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 81
- Irregular cardboard shapes
- String and small weight (plumb line)
- Stand and clamp
- Marker

- Practical assessment - Observation - Written tests

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Moments and Equilibrium - Stable equilibrium
Moments and Equilibrium - Unstable and neutral equilibrium
Moments and Equilibrium - Factors affecting stability

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Define stable equilibrium
- Demonstrate stable equilibrium using cone on its base
- Connect stable equilibrium to design of racing cars with low C.O.G

- Investigate effect of base area on stability
- Investigate effect of position of C.O.G on stability
- Connect stability factors to why buses have luggage compartments underneath

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Place cone on its wide base and push slightly
- Observe return to original position
- Discuss characteristics of stable equilibrium
- Compare stability of bottles with different amounts of sand
- Compare stability of books resting on different surfaces
- Discuss how to increase stability of objects

Why does a cone on its base return to its original position when pushed?
How does the position of centre of gravity affect stability?

- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 83
- Cone-shaped objects
- Flat surface
- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 84
- Spherical ball
- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 85
- Plastic bottles
- Sand
- Similar books

- Practical assessment - Oral questions - Written assignments
- Practical assessment - Oral questions - Written tests

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Moments and Equilibrium - Turning effect of a force

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Define moment of a force
- Identify factors affecting moment of a force
- Connect moments to why door handles are placed far from hinges

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Push door at different distances from hinges
- Compare ease of opening door at different points
- Discuss meaning of moment of a force

Why is it easier to open a door by pushing at the handle?

- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 89
- Door
- Spring balance
- Ruler

- Observation - Oral questions - Written assignments

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Moments and Equilibrium - Calculating moments
Moments and Equilibrium - Verifying principle of moments

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Calculate moment of a force using Moment = Force × perpendicular distance
- State the SI unit of moment
- Apply moment calculations to using spanners to loosen tight bolts

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Apply forces at different distances from pivot
- Calculate moments from experimental data
- Solve numerical problems on moments

How does increasing distance from pivot affect the turning effect?

- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 90
- Ruler on pivot
- Spring balance
- Known weights
- Metre rule
- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 91
- Metre rule
- Knife edge pivot
- Known masses
- String

- Written tests - Problem-solving exercises - Practical assessment

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Moments and Equilibrium - Applications of principle of moments

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Apply principle of moments to solve problems
- Determine unknown forces using principle of moments
- Use principle of moments to calculate where children should sit on a see-saw to balance

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Solve problems involving balanced beams
- Calculate unknown masses and distances
- Discuss applications in beam balances and levers

How can we use moments to find an unknown mass?

- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 92
- Scientific calculators
- Problem sheets
- Beam balance

- Written tests - Problem-solving exercises - Oral questions

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Moments and Equilibrium - Determining mass using moments

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Determine mass of a metre rule using principle of moments
- Locate C.O.G of a metre rule experimentally
- Apply the method to weighing objects using simple beam balances

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Suspend metre rule and find balance point
- Use known mass to determine mass of rule
- Apply principle of moments in calculations

How can we determine the mass of a ruler using moments?

- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 93
- Metre rule
- Stand and thread
- Known masses (50g, 100g)

- Practical assessment - Written tests - Problem-solving

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Moments and Equilibrium - Determining mass using moments

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Determine mass of a metre rule using principle of moments
- Locate C.O.G of a metre rule experimentally
- Apply the method to weighing objects using simple beam balances

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Suspend metre rule and find balance point
- Use known mass to determine mass of rule
- Apply principle of moments in calculations

How can we determine the mass of a ruler using moments?

- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 93
- Metre rule
- Stand and thread
- Known masses (50g, 100g)

- Practical assessment - Written tests - Problem-solving

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Moments and Equilibrium - Parallel forces and two supports

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Demonstrate moments about two points of support
- Apply conditions for equilibrium with parallel forces
- Connect parallel forces to how bridges distribute weight across supports

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Set up metre rule supported by two spring balances
- Attach weights at different positions
- Verify sum of upward forces equals sum of downward forces

How are forces distributed in a beam supported at two points?

- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 94
- Metre rule
- Two spring balances
- Known weights
- Stand

- Practical assessment - Written tests - Observation

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Moments and Equilibrium - Couple and torque

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Define a couple as two equal and opposite parallel forces
- Calculate torque as Force × perpendicular distance between forces
- Connect couples to turning steering wheels and opening bottle caps

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Demonstrate couple using a plank fixed at centre
- Apply equal forces in opposite directions
- Calculate torque from experimental data

Why do we need two hands to turn a steering wheel smoothly?

- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 97
- Uniform plank with central pivot
- Spring balances
- Steering wheel model

- Practical assessment - Written tests - Oral questions

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Moments and Equilibrium - Applications and resolution of forces

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Describe applications of torque and couples
- Resolve forces to find perpendicular components
- Apply moments to real-life situations like using spanners, screwdrivers and bicycle pedalling

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Discuss applications of moments in daily life
- Solve problems involving forces at angles
- Calculate moments when force is not perpendicular

How do we calculate moments when force is applied at an angle?

- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 100
- Pictures of applications
- Digital resources
- Problem sheets

- Written tests - Oral questions - Project presentations

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Energy, Work, Power and Machines - Definition of work

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Define work as product of force and displacement
- State the SI unit of work as joule
- Differentiate between work done and no work done like pushing a wall versus pushing a wheelbarrow

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Discuss scenarios where work is done and not done
- Calculate work done in lifting and pushing objects
- Relate work to force and displacement

When do we say work is done in Physics?

- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 105
- Spring balance
- Metre rule
- Various objects

- Oral questions - Written tests - Observation

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Energy, Work, Power and Machines - Calculating work done

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Calculate work done using W = F × d
- Measure work done experimentally
- Apply work calculations to lifting luggage, climbing stairs and pulling carts

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Measure force and distance to calculate work done
- Solve numerical problems on work
- Discuss work done against gravity and friction

How much work is done when lifting a 10 kg mass through 2 metres?

- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 107
- Spring balance
- Known masses
- Metre rule
- Stopwatch

- Practical assessment - Written tests - Problem-solving

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Energy, Work, Power and Machines - Energy and its forms
Energy, Work, Power and Machines - Definition and calculation of power

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Define energy as ability to do work
- Identify different forms of energy
- Connect energy forms to household appliances like heaters, bulbs and motors

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Move objects and discuss energy expended
- Identify forms of energy in various situations
- Discuss energy sources and their uses

What enables us to do work?

- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 108
- Various objects
- Pictures of energy sources
- Digital resources
- Stopwatch
- Spring balance
- Known masses
- Calculators

- Oral questions - Written assignments - Group discussions

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Energy, Work, Power and Machines - Kinetic energy
Energy, Work, Power and Machines - Gravitational potential energy

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Define kinetic energy as energy due to motion
- Calculate kinetic energy using KE = ½mv²
- Connect kinetic energy to moving vehicles, athletes and flowing water

- Define gravitational potential energy
- Calculate P.E using PE = mgh
- Connect potential energy to water stored in elevated tanks and dams for hydropower

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Roll toy car down ramp and calculate its kinetic energy
- Investigate how mass and velocity affect K.E
- Solve problems on kinetic energy
- Lift objects to different heights and calculate P.E
- Investigate effect of mass and height on P.E
- Solve numerical problems on potential energy

How does speed affect the kinetic energy of a moving object?
How does height affect the potential energy of an object?

- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 112
- Toy car
- Ramp
- Stopwatch
- Measuring tape
- Beam balance
- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 114
- Small weights
- Metre rule
- Beam balance
- Stand

- Practical assessment - Written tests - Problem-solving

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Energy, Work, Power and Machines - Elastic potential energy
Energy, Work, Power and Machines - Conservation of mechanical energy

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Define elastic potential energy
- Demonstrate elastic P.E in stretched materials
- Connect elastic potential energy to catapults, bow and arrow, and car shock absorbers

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Stretch rubber bands and release to propel objects
- Investigate elastic P.E in springs
- Calculate elastic P.E using area under F-e graph

How do stretched materials store energy?

- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 116
- Rubber bands
- Springs
- Small objects
- Paper balls
- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 118
- Pendulum bob
- String
- Stand
- Metre rule

- Practical assessment - Observation - Written questions

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Energy, Work, Power and Machines - Energy transformations

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Describe energy transformations in various systems
- Apply conservation of energy to solve problems
- Connect energy transformations to motor vehicles, power stations and home appliances

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Discuss energy changes in falling objects, vehicles, and appliances
- Visit a garage to observe energy transformations in vehicles
- Solve problems using conservation of energy

How is energy transformed in a moving vehicle?

- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 121
- Digital resources
- Pictures of machines
- Reference books

- Written tests - Oral questions - Project work

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Energy, Work, Power and Machines - Types of simple machines

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Identify types of simple machines
- Describe applications of levers, pulleys and inclined planes
- Connect simple machines to everyday tools like scissors, wheelbarrows and ramps

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Use digital resources to search for types of simple machines
- Identify simple machines in the environment
- Classify levers into first, second and third class

How do simple machines make work easier?

- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 124
- Pictures of simple machines
- Examples of levers
- Inclined plane model

- Oral questions - Written assignments - Observation

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Energy, Work, Power and Machines - MA, VR and efficiency

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Define mechanical advantage, velocity ratio and efficiency
- Calculate MA, VR and efficiency of machines
- Explain why efficiency is always less than 100% due to friction in real machines

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Discuss meaning of MA, VR and efficiency
- Calculate MA and VR from experimental data
- Relate efficiency to energy losses

Why is the efficiency of machines always less than 100%?

- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 129
- Simple machines
- Spring balance
- Known masses
- Metre rule

- Written tests - Problem-solving - Practical assessment

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Energy, Work, Power and Machines - Levers

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Calculate MA and VR of levers
- Apply principle of moments to levers
- Relate lever calculations to using crowbars, scissors and wheelbarrows

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Set up different classes of levers
- Calculate MA and VR experimentally
- Solve problems on levers

How does the position of the fulcrum affect the mechanical advantage of a lever?

- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 131
- Lever apparatus
- Known masses
- Spring balance
- Metre rule

- Practical assessment - Written tests - Problem-solving

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Energy, Work, Power and Machines - Levers

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Calculate MA and VR of levers
- Apply principle of moments to levers
- Relate lever calculations to using crowbars, scissors and wheelbarrows

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Set up different classes of levers
- Calculate MA and VR experimentally
- Solve problems on levers

How does the position of the fulcrum affect the mechanical advantage of a lever?

- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 131
- Lever apparatus
- Known masses
- Spring balance
- Metre rule

- Practical assessment - Written tests - Problem-solving

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Energy, Work, Power and Machines - Pulleys

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Calculate VR of pulley systems
- Investigate efficiency of pulley systems
- Connect pulley systems to cranes, flagpoles and construction hoists

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Set up single fixed and movable pulleys
- Set up block and tackle system
- Calculate MA, VR and efficiency experimentally

How does the number of pulleys affect the velocity ratio?

- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 131
- Pulleys
- String
- Known masses
- Spring balance
- Stand

- Practical assessment - Written tests - Observation

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Energy, Work, Power and Machines - Inclined plane and screw

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Calculate VR of inclined plane as length/height
- Calculate VR of screw using pitch and circumference
- Connect inclined planes to loading ramps and wheelchair access, and screws to car jacks

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Roll objects up inclined plane at different angles
- Calculate VR of inclined plane
- Discuss relationship between screw and inclined plane

How does the angle of inclination affect the effort required?

- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 134
- Inclined plane
- Screw jack
- Spring balance
- Metre rule

- Practical assessment - Written tests - Problem-solving

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Energy, Work, Power and Machines - Wheel and axle, gears

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Calculate VR of wheel and axle
- Calculate VR of gear systems
- Connect wheel and axle to steering wheels and door knobs, and gears to bicycles and car gearboxes

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Demonstrate wheel and axle operation
- Calculate VR of gear systems with different teeth
- Solve problems on wheel and axle and gears

How do gears change speed and force?

- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 137
- Wheel and axle model
- Gear wheels
- Bicycle

- Practical assessment - Written tests - Oral questions

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Energy, Work, Power and Machines - Hydraulic machines and applications

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Explain working principle of hydraulic machines
- Calculate force multiplication in hydraulic systems
- Connect hydraulic machines to car brakes, car jacks and construction equipment

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Construct simple hydraulic system using syringes
- Calculate force and VR of hydraulic press
- Discuss applications in vehicles and construction
- Identify simple machines in treadmills, elevators and escalators

How do hydraulic machines multiply force?

- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 139
- Syringes of different sizes
- Tubing
- Water
- Pictures of hydraulic machines

- Practical assessment - Written tests - Project presentations

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Energy, Work, Power and Machines - Hydraulic machines and applications

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:

- Explain working principle of hydraulic machines
- Calculate force multiplication in hydraulic systems
- Connect hydraulic machines to car brakes, car jacks and construction equipment

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Construct simple hydraulic system using syringes
- Calculate force and VR of hydraulic press
- Discuss applications in vehicles and construction
- Identify simple machines in treadmills, elevators and escalators

How do hydraulic machines multiply force?

- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 139
- Syringes of different sizes
- Tubing
- Water
- Pictures of hydraulic machines

- Practical assessment - Written tests - Project presentations