Forces Acting on… · SHS1 General Science

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: 1.3.2.LI.1 - Identify and explain concepts associated with forces.

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

Define a force as a push or pull acting on an object and state its SI unit (newton, N).
Distinguish between distance and displacement, and between speed and velocity, using everyday examples.
Explain acceleration as the rate of change of velocity and calculate it using the formula: acceleration = (final velocity - initial velocity) / time.
Identify the factors that affect momentum and pressure, and solve simple problems involving these quantities.
Apply the concepts of force, momentum and pressure to explain real-life situations in Ghanaian homes, farms and transport systems.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Vigour Behind Life (Strand 3)
Sub-strand: Forces Acting on Substances and Mechanisms (3.2)
Content standard: 1.3.2.CS.1 - Recognise the various forms of forces and their effects on motions. 1.3.2.LO.1 Apply various forms of forces according to their effects on motions.
Indicator: 1.3.2.LI.1 - Identify and explain concepts associated with forces.
Suggested placement: Semester 2, Week 5 (Week 25 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. 45

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

- Using a Talk for Learning Approach, place learners in mixed-ability/mixed-sex groups to discuss the concepts of distance, displacement, speed, velocity and acceleration with contextual examples.
- Using the enquiry approach, guide learners to develop task sheets to explore real life applications of the concepts of speed, displacement, velocity, and acceleration while managing technical words and terminology.
- Using the 3E approach 4 , guide learners to engage, explore and explain concepts such as forces, momentum and pressure.
- Using differentiated learning and scaffolding, guide learners to explore the applications of the concepts of forces, Momentum and Pressure in real life.
Teaching and Learning Resources:
- 3E Framework | 3E Education
- Stop clocks/watches.
- Charts, pictures and models.
- Bicycle wheels and pendulum bobs.
- Trolleys
- PHET Simulations
- Pendulum bob
- Balls (Volley, foot, basket, etc.),
- Pendulum bob,
- Balls (Volley, foot, basket, etc.),
- Siphoning materials (tube, container).
Assessment (1.3.2.AS.1). The document marks these depth-of-knowledge levels for this indicator: Level 2 Skills of conceptual understanding; Level 3 Strategic reasoning.