SHS1 Physics · Semester 1 Week 8: Kinematics

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: 1.1.3.LI.2 - Establish equations of uniformly accelerated motion and its application in daily life.

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

Derive the first equation of motion, v = u + at, from the definition of acceleration.
Establish the second and third equations of motion, s = (u + v)t/2 and v² = u² + 2as, by manipulating the first equation and the average velocity relationship.
Solve numerical problems involving uniformly accelerated motion using the three equations.
Apply the equations of motion to everyday situations, including motion under gravity where g replaces a.
Distinguish between situations involving uniform acceleration and those requiring different approaches.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Mechanics and Matter (Strand 1)
Sub-strand: Kinematics (1.3)
Content standard: 1.1.3.CS.1 - Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of motion and its relevance to everyday activities. 1.1.3.LO.1 Explain the terminologies and measurement of distance, displacement, speed, velocity, acceleration, average velocity, instantaneous velocity and distinguish between them.
Indicator: 1.1.3.LI.2 - Establish equations of uniformly accelerated motion and its application in daily life.
Suggested placement: Semester 1, Week 8 (Week 8 of the year)
Our suggestion, laid out in curriculum order across three terms of twelve weeks. NaCCA does not fix the week, so follow your school's scheme of learning.
Curriculum reference: NaCCA curriculum document, p. 36

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

Talk for learning:
- Learners brainstorm and define the terminologies distance, displacement, speed, velocity, acceleration, average velocity, instantaneous velocity and distinguish between them.
- Relate average speed to total distance travelled and time taken to cover the distance. i.e., s/t = (u + v)/2
- Employ the definition of acceleration to establish v = u + at.
- Guide learners to establish the other two equations by manipulating exemplars 1 & 2.
- Learners must be told that the value of "g" replaces acceleration "a" for motion under gravity.
Assessment (1.1.3.AS.2). The document marks these depth-of-knowledge levels for this indicator: Level 2 Skills of conceptual understanding; Level 3 Strategic reasoning.
Teaching and Learning Resources:
- Audio-visuals
- Internet
- Projectors
- YouTube
- Interactive virtual laboratory