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Lesson Note on Work, Energy and Power for SS1 (SSS 1)

A step-by-step lesson note on Work, Energy and Power for SSS 1, covering how to determine work, energy and power and explaining work done in a force field with examples.

Royal AlikorByRoyal AlikorPublishedJan 18, 2026Reading6 minComments0

Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1, SS 1, SSS1, SSS 1)
Term: 1st Term
Week: 11
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Physics
Curriculum Theme: Physics
Previous Lesson: Work, Energy and Power.
Topic: WORK, ENERGY AND POWER
Subject Matter: Determination of work, determination of energy, determination of power, work done in a force field, examples of work in gravitational or electric fields, solving simple problems involving work, energy and power

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain:

  • Define work, energy, and power.
  • State the formula for calculating work, energy, and power.
  • Explain the concept of work done in a force field.
  • Solve simple numerical problems involving work, energy, and power.

Affective Domain:

  • Appreciate the importance of work, energy, and power in daily life.
  • Value the use of correct units in physical calculations.

Psychomotor Domain:

  • Accurately compute work done from force and distance.
  • Calculate power from work and time.
  • Demonstrate problem-solving skills for quantitative questions.

Social Domain:

  • Engage in collaborative learning during problem-solving sessions.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

  • 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Physics (Senior Secondary Education).
  • State Unified Scheme of Work for Physics SSS 1.
  • New School Physics by M.W. Anyakoha.
  • Prentice Hall Physics by Douglas C. Giancoli.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

  • Charts illustrating formulas for work, energy, and power.
  • Sample problem sheets.
  • Chalkboard and chalk.
  • Ruler.
  • Calculator (optional for pupils).

Rationale for the Lesson

Understanding work, energy, and power helps pupils describe and quantify interactions in the physical world. This knowledge is important for understanding how machines function and how energy transformations occur in everyday phenomena.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have prior knowledge of force, distance, time, and basic mathematical operations from their junior secondary school science classes.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

WORK, ENERGY AND POWER

Work Done

Work is done when a force causes a displacement of an object in the direction of the force. It is a scalar quantity.

The formula for work done is:

  • Work (W) = Force (F) × Distance (d)

The SI unit of work is the Joule (J).

Energy

Energy is the ability to do work. It is also a scalar quantity and can exist in various forms.

The SI unit of energy is the Joule (J).

Common forms of mechanical energy include:

  • Kinetic Energy: Energy possessed by an object due to its motion.
  • Potential Energy: Energy possessed by an object due to its position or state.

Power

Power is the rate at which work is done or energy is transferred. It is a scalar quantity.

The formula for power is:

  • Power (P) = Work Done (W) / Time (t)
  • Power (P) = Energy Transferred (E) / Time (t)

The SI unit of power is the Watt (W).

Work Done in a Force Field

A force field is a region where an object experiences a force without direct contact. Work can be done on an object as it moves through a force field.

Examples of work done in a force field include:

  • Gravitational Field: Work is done when an object is lifted against gravity (e.g., lifting a book).
  • Electric Field: Work is done when a charged particle moves in an electric field (e.g., an electron moving towards a positive plate).

Solving Simple Problems Involving Work, Energy and Power

To solve problems, it is important to:

  • Identify given quantities and the unknown.
  • Choose the correct formula.
  • Substitute values into the formula.
  • State the answer with the correct SI unit.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them to recall what force, distance, and time are. The teacher then relates these concepts to daily activities involving effort, like pushing a table or climbing stairs, leading to the topic of work, energy, and power.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to questions about force, distance, and time and listen attentively.
Learning Point: Pupils recall prior knowledge and are introduced to the lesson topic.

Step 2: Explanation of Work Done

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines work, explains its formula (W = F × d), and demonstrates with a simple example on the board. The teacher emphasizes the SI unit (Joule). A chart showing the formula and unit for work is displayed.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and ask questions for clarification. They observe the chart and example.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the definition, formula, and unit of work.

Step 3: Explanation of Energy

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines energy as the ability to do work and states its SI unit (Joule). The teacher briefly mentions common forms of energy like kinetic and potential energy with simple examples.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and contribute examples of energy forms.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the definition and unit of energy and can identify its basic forms.

Step 4: Explanation of Power

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Calculation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines power as the rate of doing work and states its formula (P = W/t). The teacher explains the SI unit (Watt) and provides a simple calculation example on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and attempt the example calculation.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the definition, formula, and unit of power.

Step 5: Work Done in a Force Field

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Concept Development
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what a force field is and gives examples of work done in gravitational and electric fields, relating it to the concept of potential energy.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and ask questions to grasp the concept of force fields.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the concept of work done in a force field with practical examples.

Step 6: Solving Simple Numerical Problems

Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Problem-Solving/Guidance
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils through solving one or two simple problems involving work, energy, and power from the sample problem sheets, emphasizing correct units and steps.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils follow the steps, ask questions, and attempt to solve similar problems.
Learning Point: Pupils develop skills in applying formulas to solve quantitative problems.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

  1. Define work and state its SI unit.
  2. List two forms of mechanical energy.
  3. State the formula for calculating power.
  4. Give an example of work done in a gravitational field.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization/Consolidation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson on work, energy, and power. The teacher assigns homework which includes solving more problems from the textbook.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy down the homework assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their understanding of the lesson and are given tasks for practice.

Lesson Keywords

  • Work – The product of force and displacement in the direction of the force.
  • Energy – The ability to do work.
  • Power – The rate at which work is done or energy is transferred.
  • Force Field – A region in space where a force acts on an object without direct contact.
  • Joule (J) – The SI unit of work and energy.
  • Watt (W) – The SI unit of power.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp the concepts quickly, the teacher can provide more complex problems or encourage them to research different forms of energy. For pupils who require more support, the teacher can provide simplified examples, offer one-on-one assistance, or arrange for peer tutoring during practice sessions.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure that pupils understand the directionality of force and displacement when calculating work. Emphasize the importance of units in all calculations. Encourage pupils to relate the concepts to real-life situations to enhance understanding.

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Lesson Note on Work, Energy and Power for SS1 (SSS 1)
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