SCIENCE LESSON PLAN

TEACHER: N.R.

DATE:

CLASS: Form 3

TIME: 1 Period 50 minutes

UNIT: Physical Quantities, Units and Measurement

TOPIC: The Simple Pendulum

REFERENCES (exclude class text. Include page numbers)

Farley, A., Trotz, C.,(2007) CXC Physics, Macmillan Education.

CXC Physics Module #2

PREREQUISITES
Knowledge:- Students should know :
1. Fundamental Quantities and base units.
2. Scales, errors and graphs.
Skill:- students should know how to:
1. Read and follow instructions.
2. Measure length, mass and time.

MATERIAL & RESOURCES

For Teacher For Each Group

Retort stand, string and bob, whiteboard, markers Retort stand, string and bob, stopwatch(use of cell
phone), protractor, handout & activity sheet

CONCEPT OR PRINCIPLE

A pendulum consists of a mass on the end of an arm, whose other end is connected to a pivot. The period
of the pendulum depends only on its length. The pendulum can be used to measure time intervals and as
the basis for the design of clocks.
OBJECTIVES Classification

1. Explain the terms period, length of pendulum and oscillation. Comprehension(cognitive)

2. Investigate the factors which might affect the period of a simple Mechanism(psychomotor)
pendulum.

3. Practise co-operation in group activities. Characterization by Value(

affective)

4. Relate the use of pendulum to the measurement of time intervals. Synthesis (Cognitive)

PROCESS SKILLS

During the lesson, student will be engaged in:

Identifying/formulating a problem
Designing and Planning an experimental procedure
Setting up and executing experimental work
Observing and measuring
Recording of data and observations
Interpreting and evaluating data and observations
Communicating scientific ideas, observations and arguments
Applying scientific ideas and methods to solve qualitative and quantitative problems

Decision-making based on examination of evidence and arguments

Extracting from available information data relevant to a particular situation
ACTIVITIES Focus: The Learning Cycle

Introduction: (ENGAGEMENT)
1. Ts place students in groups of 4.
2. Ts give a brief description of the apparatus in front each group.
3. Ts introduces the three relevant terms using its definition:
Period-the time taken for one complete oscillation
Oscillation- a complete to and fro movement of the bob
Length of pendulum- distance from the point of suspension to the centre of
gravity of the bob.

T.S In todays lesson we are going to look closely at the oscillating pendulum and suggest factors that
may affect the period.

Development: (EXPLORATION)
1. Ss given activity sheet.
2. Ss read procedure-task made clear and precautions highlighted.
3. Ss work on activity.

EXPLANATION
1. Each group present their conclusion to the class.
2. Ts and Ss link results.
3. Ts give class equation and explain period only depends on length.
4. Ss are given handout with content notes.

Consolidation: ( ELABORATION)
1. Ts assign and explain homework.
2. Ts summarize and highlight main points on board.

Bridging Statement: In our next class you will be introduced to another new quantity-density.

OBJECTIVE # TIME/MINS

INTRODUCTION 1, 2, 3 10

DEVELOPMENT 1, 2,3 25

1,2,3,4 10

CONSOLIDATION 1, 2 5
TEACHERS EVALUATION OF LESSON

TUTORS COMMENTS
 ACTIVITY

1. Set up apparatus as shown in diagram below.

retort stand
clamp with
wood chips

string

pendulum

bob

2. In your group, allow the simple pendulum to oscillate for one minute.
3. While observing the pendulum, suggest factors that may affect period (e.g. length, mass, angle
of displacement etc.).
4. Create a hypothesis.
5. Design an experiment to test each factor. Keep in mind in order to determine the effect of one
factor all the others must be kept constant.
6. Record all observations made.
7. Using your observations, write a conclusion on the factors affecting the period of the
pendulum.

HOMEWORK

Due Date: Thursday 29 October 2009.

Research and write 5-8 sentences on:
(i) the different types of pendulum
(ii) the use of pendulum as the basis for the design of clocks.
PHYSICS 27/10/09
THE SIMPLE PENDULUM

B
C
A

A simple pendulum consists of a piece of thread that is fixed at one end and has a small mass
(usually a metal ball) called the bob.

The length of the pendulum l is the distance from the point of support to the center of the bob.

The periodic time T of the pendulum is the time taken for a complete swing or oscillation
forwards or backwards from point A to B, B to C and then back to A. It can be calculated using
the formula:
l
T 2
g
Where l is the length of the pendulum
g = 10 Nm-2

To obtain a more reliable reading of T, and to reduce the errors, usually the time t is found for
several (n) oscillations and T is found using the formula :
Total _ time
T=
Number _ of _ oscillations
t
= .
n