Dynamics · SHS1 Physics

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: 1.1.4.LI.2 - Apply Newton’s second law to establish the relationship between force, mass and acceleration.

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

State Newton’s second law of motion in their own words, relating net force, mass and acceleration.
Derive the equation F = ma from the statement of Newton’s second law.
Calculate force, mass or acceleration using the formula F = ma when given the other two quantities.
Solve simple word problems involving Newton’s second law in everyday situations.
Describe and demonstrate how a trolley’s acceleration changes when force is applied differently.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Mechanics and Matter (Strand 1)
Sub-strand: Dynamics (1.4)
Content standard: 1.1.4.CS.1 - Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Newton's laws of motion. 1.1.4.LO.1 Apply the laws of motion to explain how bodies change their positions.
Indicator: 1.1.4.LI.2 - Apply Newton's second law to establish the relationship between force, mass and acceleration.
Suggested placement: Semester 1, Week 10 (Week 10 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.
Source document note: The official curriculum document has a fault in this entry, so the curriculum text above is transcribed exactly as printed:

content standard text - p.41: the document prints this content standard code as 1.1.4.CS1
Curriculum reference: NaCCA curriculum document, p. 41

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

Talk for learning: Use the discussions from the above situation to establish the 2nd law to derive F = ma.
Guide students to interrogate their stereotypes and biases.
Assessment (1.1.4.AS.2). The document marks these depth-of-knowledge levels for this indicator: Level 2 Skills of conceptual understanding.
Teaching and Learning Resources:
- Audio-visuals
- PhET interactive simulations
- Trolley
- tennis ball
- soccer ball