Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Moments and Equilibrium - Centre of gravity of regular objects
Moments and Equilibrium - Centre of gravity of triangles

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

- Practical assessment - Observation - Oral questions

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Moments and Equilibrium - Centre of gravity of irregular objects
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:
- 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
- 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 - Observation - Written tests

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Moments and Equilibrium - Turning effect of a force
Moments and Equilibrium - Calculating moments
Moments and Equilibrium - Verifying principle of moments
Moments and Equilibrium - Applications of principle of moments

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
- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 90
- Ruler on pivot
- Known weights
- Metre rule
- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 91
- Metre rule
- Knife edge pivot
- Known masses
- String
- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 92
- Scientific calculators
- Problem sheets
- Beam balance

- Observation - Oral questions - Written assignments

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Moments and Equilibrium - Determining mass using moments
Moments and Equilibrium - Parallel forces and two supports

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

- Practical assessment - Written tests - Problem-solving

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Moments and Equilibrium - Couple and torque
Moments and Equilibrium - Applications and resolution of forces
Energy, Work, Power and Machines - Definition of work

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
- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 100
- Pictures of applications
- Digital resources
- Problem sheets
- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 105
- Spring balance
- Metre rule
- Various objects

- Practical assessment - Written tests - Oral questions

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

Energy, Work, Power and Machines - Calculating work done
Energy, Work, Power and Machines - Energy and its forms
Energy, Work, Power and Machines - Definition and calculation of power
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:
- 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
- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 108
- Various objects
- Pictures of energy sources
- Digital resources
- Stopwatch
- Calculators
- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 112
- Toy car
- Ramp
- Measuring tape
- Beam balance
- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 114
- Small weights
- 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
Energy, Work, Power and Machines - Energy transformations
Energy, Work, Power and Machines - Types of simple machines

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
- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 121
- Digital resources
- Pictures of machines
- Reference books
- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 124
- Pictures of simple machines
- Examples of levers
- Inclined plane model

- Practical assessment - Observation - Written questions

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

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

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
- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 131
- Lever apparatus

- Written tests - Problem-solving - Practical assessment

Mechanics and Thermal Physics

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

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

- Practical assessment - Written tests - Observation

Mechanics and Thermal Physics
Waves and Optics

Energy, Work, Power and Machines - Wheel and axle, gears
Energy, Work, Power and Machines - Hydraulic machines and applications
Properties of Waves - Rectilinear propagation of waves

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
- Spotlight Physics Learner's Book pg. 139
- Syringes of different sizes
- Tubing
- Water
- Pictures of hydraulic machines
- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 147
- Torch
- Digital resources

- Practical assessment - Written tests - Oral questions

Waves and Optics

Properties of Waves - Reflection of waves
Properties of Waves - Refraction of waves
Properties of Waves - Diffraction of waves
Properties of Waves - Interference of waves
Properties of Waves - Demonstrating rectilinear propagation using ripple tank

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Explain the meaning of reflection of waves
- Demonstrate reflection of sound waves using a tall building scenario
- Connect reflection to real-life applications like radar systems and car side mirrors

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Discuss how sound waves bounce off hard surfaces
- Identify applications of reflection in radar, mirrors, and fibre optics
- Use print or non-print media to research reflection applications

Why do we hear echoes near tall buildings?

- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 148
- Digital resources
- Charts showing reflection
- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 150
- Glass of water
- Straight object
- Digital resources
- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 151
- Torch
- Manila paper
- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 152
- Two identical speakers
- Audio frequency generator
- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 154
- Ripple tank and accessories
- Dry cell and cell holder
- White manila paper

- Oral questions - Observation - Group presentations

Waves and Optics

Properties of Waves - Demonstrating reflection using ripple tank
Properties of Waves - Demonstrating refraction using ripple tank
Properties of Waves - Demonstrating diffraction using ripple tank
Properties of Waves - Demonstrating interference using ripple tank

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Demonstrate reflection of waves using a ripple tank
- Illustrate reflection patterns with different reflector shapes
- Relate reflection patterns to how car headlamps and satellite dishes work

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Place a straight reflector perpendicular to plane waves and observe
- Place the reflector at an acute angle and record observations
- Use concave and convex reflectors to observe different reflection patterns

How do waves behave when they hit different shaped surfaces?

- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 156
- Ripple tank
- Straight metal reflector
- Concave and convex reflectors
- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 158
- Transparent glass plate
- White manila paper
- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 159
- Two straight metal barriers
- Opaque obstacle
- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 160
- Two spherical balls

- Practical assessment - Observation - Written tests

Waves and Optics

Properties of Waves - Production of frequency modulated (FM) waves
Properties of Waves - Detection of frequency modulated (FM) waves

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Explain the meaning of frequency modulation
- Describe methods of producing FM waves
- Connect FM to how radio stations broadcast music and news

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Use digital devices to research the meaning of FM and its production
- Discuss the difference between FM and AM
- Search for applications of frequency modulation

How are FM radio signals produced?

- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 161
- Digital resources
- Physics reference books
- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 162
- Radio receiver (demonstration)

- Oral questions - Written assignments - Group presentations

Waves and Optics

Properties of Waves - Formation of stationary waves
Properties of Waves - Factors affecting fundamental frequency of vibrating string

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Explain the meaning of stationary waves
- Demonstrate formation of stationary waves using a tuning fork and string
- Connect stationary waves to how guitar strings produce different notes

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Fix a string to a tuning fork prong and pass over a fixed pulley
- Strike the tuning fork and observe nodes and antinodes
- Discuss how incident and reflected waves superimpose to form stationary waves

How are stationary waves formed in a vibrating string?

- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 163
- Tuning fork
- String
- Mass (weight)
- Fixed pulley system
- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 164
- Sonometer apparatus
- Weights
- Two wooden wedges

- Practical assessment - Observation - Oral questions

Waves and Optics

Properties of Waves - Modes of vibration in strings
Properties of Waves - Stationary waves in closed pipes
Properties of Waves - Harmonics in closed pipes

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Explain modes of vibration in strings
- Calculate frequencies of harmonics and overtones
- Connect harmonics to the rich sound quality of musical instruments

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Discuss fundamental frequency and how it relates to wavelength
- Calculate first and second overtones using mathematical relationships
- Use the general formula for nth overtone: fn = (n+1)f₀

What are harmonics and overtones in vibrating strings?

- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 166
- Digital resources
- Charts showing modes of vibration
- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 167
- Glass tube
- Glass jar with water
- Tuning fork
- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 168
- Charts showing harmonics

- Written tests - Oral questions - Problem-solving exercises

Waves and Optics

Properties of Waves - Stationary waves in open pipes
Properties of Waves - Meaning of Doppler effect

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Explain stationary wave formation in open pipes
- Calculate fundamental frequency and overtones in open pipes
- Relate open pipe resonance to how flutes and organ pipes produce sound

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Discuss how antinodes form at both ends of an open pipe
- Calculate wavelength and frequency relationships: L = λ/2
- Compare fundamental frequencies in open and closed pipes

How do stationary waves form in open pipes?

- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 169
- Digital resources
- Charts showing open pipe harmonics
- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 173
- Audio recordings of approaching vehicles

- Written tests - Oral questions - Problem-solving exercises

Waves and Optics

Properties of Waves - Demonstrating Doppler effect
Properties of Waves - Applications of Doppler effect

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Demonstrate Doppler effect using sound sources and ropes
- Observe changes in wavelength when source moves towards or away from observer
- Relate the demonstration to how radar speed guns measure vehicle speed

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Move an audio frequency generator towards and away from a stationary observer
- Use a rope to show compression and stretching of waves
- Discuss how wavelength decreases when source approaches and increases when receding

How does the movement of a sound source affect the waves detected by an observer?

- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 174
- Audio frequency generator
- Rope or spiral spring
- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 175
- Digital resources
- Charts showing Doppler applications

- Practical assessment - Observation - Oral questions

Waves and Optics

Radioactivity - Meaning of radioactivity and related terms
Radioactivity - Stability of isotopes and atomic structure

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Explain the meaning of radioactivity and related terms
- Define nuclear stability, half-life, nuclide, and radioisotope
- Relate radioactivity to smoke detectors and medical treatments

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Use digital resources to search for meanings of radioactivity terms
- Discuss the meaning of radioactive decay, background radiation, and nucleotide
- Share findings with classmates for peer review

What is radioactivity and why do some atoms decay?

- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 178
- Digital resources
- Physics reference books
- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 180
- Charts showing atomic structure

- Oral questions - Written assignments - Group discussions

Waves and Optics

Radioactivity - Types of radiations (alpha, beta, gamma)
Radioactivity - Properties of alpha and beta particles
Radioactivity - Properties of gamma rays and comparison of radiations

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Identify the three types of radioactive radiations
- Describe the nature and charge of alpha, beta, and gamma radiations
- Relate radiation types to their uses in cancer treatment and sterilization

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Discuss the composition of alpha particles (helium nucleus)
- Explain beta particles as high-energy electrons
- Describe gamma rays as electromagnetic radiation

What are the different types of radioactive emissions?

- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 181
- Digital resources
- Charts showing radiation types
- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 182
- Charts comparing radiation properties
- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 183
- Charts and diagrams

- Oral questions - Written tests - Chart interpretation

Waves and Optics

Radioactivity - Alpha decay and nuclear equations
Radioactivity - Beta decay and gamma decay equations

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Write nuclear equations for alpha decay
- Balance nuclear equations showing conservation of mass and charge
- Connect alpha decay to how smoke detectors use americium-241

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Discuss how alpha emission reduces nucleon number by 4 and proton number by 2
- Write nuclear equation for radium-226 decaying to radon-222
- Practice balancing nuclear equations

How do we write nuclear equations for alpha decay?

- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 186
- Digital resources
- Periodic table
- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 187

- Written tests - Problem-solving exercises - Oral questions

Waves and Optics

Radioactivity - Uranium-238 decay series
Radioactivity - Detection using electroscope and GM tube

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Trace the uranium-238 natural decay series
- Write nuclear equations for chain decay reactions
- Connect decay series to geological dating of rocks

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Study the uranium-238 decay chain from U-238 to stable Pb-206
- Identify types of radiations emitted at each stage
- Write nuclear equations for each step in the decay series

How does uranium-238 eventually become stable lead-206?

- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 188
- Charts showing decay series
- Digital resources
- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 189
- Electroscope
- Diagrams of GM tube

- Chart interpretation - Written tests - Oral questions

Waves and Optics

Radioactivity - Cloud chambers and nuclear emulsion plates
Radioactivity - Meaning and demonstration of half-life
Radioactivity - Calculating half-life using graphs and formula

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Describe detection using expansion and diffusion cloud chambers
- Explain the use of nuclear emulsion plates
- Relate cloud chamber tracks to identifying different radiation types

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Discuss the operation of expansion and diffusion cloud chambers
- Observe track patterns for alpha, beta, and gamma radiations
- Explain how nuclear emulsion plates record particle tracks

How do cloud chambers make radiation tracks visible?

- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 190
- Diagrams of cloud chambers
- Digital resources
- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 193
- Burette
- Retort stand
- Stop clock
- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 195
- Graph paper
- Scientific calculators

- Diagram interpretation - Written tests - Oral questions

Waves and Optics

Radioactivity - Significance and applications of half-life
Radioactivity - Nuclear fission and chain reactions

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Explain the significance of half-life in various fields
- Describe applications in medicine, environment, and nuclear power
- Relate half-life to planning cancer treatment doses and nuclear waste storage

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Discuss significance in nuclear medicine and carbon dating
- Explain importance in nuclear waste management
- Research applications in pharmacokinetics and safety regulations

Why is understanding half-life important in medicine and nuclear power?

- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 197
- Digital resources
- Physics reference books
- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 198
- Diagrams of chain reactions
- Digital resources

- Research presentations - Written tests - Oral questions

Waves and Optics

Radioactivity - Nuclear fusion and applications
Radioactivity - Applications in medicine and industry
Radioactivity - Applications in agriculture and archaeology
Radioactivity - Hazards of radiation and safety precautions

By the end of the lesson, the learner should be able to:
- Explain the meaning of nuclear fusion
- Compare nuclear fusion with fission
- Relate fusion to how the sun and stars produce energy

In groups, learners are guided to:
- Discuss how light nuclei combine to form heavier nuclei
- Explain why fusion requires extremely high temperatures
- Compare energy released in fusion versus fission reactions

Why does nuclear fusion power the sun and stars?

- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 199
- Diagrams showing fusion
- Digital resources
- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 200
- Diagrams showing applications
- Digital resources
- Charts on carbon dating
- Spotlight Physics Grade 10 pg. 201
- Safety signs

- Written tests - Comparison tables - Oral questions