This lesson is designed for the NEW AQA Physics GCSE, particularly the ‘Forces in Action’ SoW.
 
For more lessons designed to meet specification points for the NEW AQA Trilogy specifications for Biology, Chemistry and Physics please see my shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience
 
The lesson begins with an introduction to the centre of mass, in terms of car design. Students are asked to consider the difference between a car with a higher centre of mass, compared to a car with a lower centre of mass. The next slide explains that designers need to consider the centre of mass of an object to improve its stability, performance, efficiency and safety. Examples include airplanes and chairs.
 
For the next task, students will watch a video about centre of mass and will need to answer a few questions whilst watching. The answers for this task are on the next slide so students can self-assess their work. Next, students will be asked to find the centre of mass of a series of flat, symmetrical objects. This task can be completed on a worksheet, and stuck into their books. The mark scheme is provided so students can mark their work.
 
The next task is an investigation into finding the centre of mass of an irregularly-shaped piece of card. Students will be provided with a method (this can be printed out for students to use on their benches) and they will complete the investigation. Students can also complete the evaluation task to check the accuracy of their experiment.
 
The last activity is a set of exam-style questions on the topic of the centre of mass, students can complete these in their books and then self-assess or peer-assess using the mark scheme provided.
The plenary requires students to summarise what they have learned this lesson in three sentences.
 
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