CAPE Physics Unit 1 Lesson Plan - Lesson 2
Date: September 18, 2024
Topic: Physical Quantities (Vector Resolution)
Duration: 60 minutes
General Objective
Understand physical quantities with a focus on resolving vectors, providing additional
practice and step-by-step guidance to enhance comprehension.
Specific Objectives
1. Cognitive:
Provide additional practice to students struggling with graphical vector
resolution by incorporating more visual aids and step-by-step guidance.
2. Psychomotor:
Improve students' ability to resolve vectors both graphically and using
component methods.
3. Affective:
Build confidence in students who previously struggled with vector resolution by
giving them more support and encouraging a positive attitude toward problem-
solving.
Subject Matter
Topic: Vector Resolution (Graphical and Analytical)
Reference Text: CAPE Physics Textbook, Chapter 1 on Scalars and Vectors
Materials:
o Whiteboard and markers
o Graph paper and rulers
o Calculators
o Protractors
o Visual aids such as pre-drawn vector diagrams and step-by-step handouts
Value Focus:
o Persistence in problem-solving and the importance of developing accurate vector
resolution skills for real-world physics applications.
Procedure:
1. Preparatory Activities (15 minutes)
Drill (5 minutes):
o Begin the lesson with a quick drill revisiting the key concepts of vector and scalar
quantities. Ask students to provide examples of each, and review the definition of
vector components (horizontal and vertical). Examples:
What is the difference between a scalar and a vector?
Name two vector quantities and two scalar quantities.
Review (10 minutes):
o Review the method for resolving vectors using components (both graphically and
through calculation). Use a simple vector example (e.g., a force of 40 N acting at an
angle of 30°) to demonstrate the step-by-step process of finding horizontal and
vertical components.
Break down the example on the whiteboard: F x = Fcos θ and F y = Fsin θ
o Go over the key steps students should follow when resolving vectors graphically
using a protractor and ruler.
2. Development Activities (35 minutes)
Motivation (5 minutes):
o Emphasize the importance of mastering vector resolution for real-world
applications, such as in engineering, physics, and navigation. Share a quick anecdote
of how vector resolution helps pilots and navigators find the correct course despite
winds acting at an angle.
o Encourage students to see vector resolution as a problem-solving tool that can
simplify complex scenarios.
Presentation and Guided Example (15 minutes):
Graphical Resolution Example:
Work through an additional example of vector resolution graphically on the
board. For instance, resolve a vector of magnitude 50 N acting at an angle
of 45°. Guide the students step by step:
1. Draw the vector with the correct magnitude and angle using a
ruler and protractor.
2. Draw horizontal and vertical components using dotted lines.
3. Measure the components and label them.
Walk through each step carefully, providing additional tips for accurately
drawing and labeling vectors.
Component Method Example:
Now, resolve the same vector using trigonometric calculations: Fx
= 50cos 45 ° and F y = 50sin 45 °
Work through the calculations on the board, ensuring students understand how to use their
calculators to find the numerical components.
· Step-by-Step Problem-Solving (15 minutes):
Provide students with a worksheet containing three vector problems, including both
graphical and component methods:
1. Resolve a force of 60 N acting at 30° into its components.
2. Resolve a force of 80 N acting at 45°.
3. A force of 100 N acts at an angle of 60°. Find its horizontal and vertical components.
Circulate the room to offer assistance and encourage students to follow each step carefully.
Check their work as they progress, providing individual guidance where necessary.
3. Discussion and Generalization (5 minutes)
Discussion:
o Facilitate a brief discussion asking students to share their thoughts on the
challenges they faced during the problem-solving activity. Ask:
What was the most challenging part of resolving vectors graphically or
using components?
How did following the step-by-step process help you?
Generalization:
o Summarize the importance of breaking vectors into components and how it
simplifies complex force or motion problems in physics. Emphasize that while
graphical resolution offers a visual understanding, the component method allows
for precise calculations, especially in more complex scenarios.
4. Evaluation (5 minutes)
Evaluation Examples:
o Provide students with a couple of quick evaluation problems to assess their
understanding:
1. Resolve a vector of 70 N acting at an angle of 25° into its horizontal and
vertical components.
2. Draw a vector of 90 N at 60° on graph paper and resolve it into
components.
o Review their solutions in real-time and offer constructive feedback.
Assignment Examples
Assign students additional practice problems from the textbook to further reinforce vector
resolution:
o Resolve three new vectors both graphically and using components.
o Include vectors at different angles (e.g., 20°, 60°, 75°) for varied practice.
Teacher Evaluation of Lesson
Evaluation Criteria:
Student Participation: Were all students actively engaged in the guided practice and hands-
on vector resolution activities?
Understanding of Concepts: Did students demonstrate improvement in their ability to
resolve vectors, especially those who previously struggled?
Accuracy of Problem Solving: Were students able to accurately resolve vectors graphically
and through calculation?
Evaluation :
The majority of students showed significant improvement in their ability to resolve vectors
both graphically and using components. The step-by-step guidance was effective, and
students who struggled in the previous lesson displayed greater confidence. However, a few
students still struggled with accurately drawing vector components using the protractor. I
will plan for additional practice using visual aids in upcoming lessons.
