The second term for JSS 2 students focuses on the important scientific concept of force. In this article, we will break down the weekly lessons of the curriculum, explaining each topic in detail to help students understand the core principles of force, its types, and real-life applications. This guide is structured to ensure clarity, engaging content, and simple explanations suitable for beginners.
JSS 2 Scheme of Work for Second Term: Overview
| Week(s) | Topic(s) | Content |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Revision of Last Term’s Work | Recap of previous lessons to refresh foundational knowledge. |
| Week 2 | Force | Introduction to the concept of force, including basic definition and real-world examples. |
| Week 3 | Force (Continued) | Exploration of the different types of forces such as gravitational, frictional, and applied forces. |
| Week 4 | Force (Continued) | Detailed explanation of the effects of force on objects, including motion and deformation. |
| Week 5 | Force (Continued) | Introduction to balanced and unbalanced forces and how they affect motion. |
| Week 6 | Force (Continued) | Discussion on Newton’s Laws of Motion and how they relate to forces. |
| Week 7 | Force (Continued) | Practical applications of force in daily life and experiments to demonstrate force principles. |
| Week 8 | Force (Continued) | Deep dive into force measurement and units (e.g., Newtons). |
| Week 9 | Revision | Review of all topics covered in the term to reinforce learning. |
| Week 10 | Exam | Final exam to assess students’ understanding of the concept of force and its applications. |
Week 1: Revision of Last Term’s Work
Topic: Revision of Last Term’s Work
Content:
Before diving into new content, students will revisit the key concepts learned in the previous term. This includes refreshing their understanding of basic physical principles that will support their learning of force.
- Example 1: Revisit the concept of motion and its types (uniform and non-uniform).
- Example 2: Understanding the difference between distance and displacement.
- Example 3: Reviewing the concepts of speed and velocity.
- Example 4: Understanding simple machines and their uses.
- Example 5: Revising Newton’s Three Laws of Motion in basic terms.
- Example 6: Revisiting the concept of work and energy.
Week 2: Force
Topic: Introduction to Force
Content:
In this week, students will be introduced to the concept of force. The definition, unit of measurement (Newton), and the fundamental nature of forces will be explained in simple terms. Force is a push or pull that can change the motion of an object.
- Example 1: Applying force to push a box across the floor.
- Example 2: Pulling a door to open it.
- Example 3: The force of gravity pulling an object towards the Earth.
- Example 4: Force used to launch a rocket into space.
- Example 5: Using force to compress a spring.
- Example 6: The force used to lift a heavy object.
Week 3: Force (Continued)
Topic: Types of Forces
Content:
In this lesson, the students will explore the different types of forces that exist in the world around them, such as gravitational force, frictional force, and applied force. These forces have distinct characteristics and roles in daily life.
- Example 1: Gravitational Force – The force that pulls objects toward the Earth.
- Example 2: Frictional Force – The force that opposes motion, like when you slide on a rug.
- Example 3: Applied Force – The force exerted by a person or object, such as pushing a car.
- Example 4: Tension Force – The force in a rope or cable when pulled tight.
- Example 5: Normal Force – The force exerted by a surface that supports the weight of an object resting on it.
- Example 6: Elastic Force – The force exerted by a stretched or compressed object, like a spring.
Week 4: Force (Continued)
Topic: Effects of Force
Content:
Force causes various effects on objects, such as causing them to move, stop, or change shape. This lesson will cover how different amounts and directions of force can produce these changes.
- Example 1: Pushing a ball to make it roll.
- Example 2: Using force to bend a piece of metal.
- Example 3: The force of a car hitting a wall and changing its shape.
- Example 4: Dropping a glass and the force causing it to shatter.
- Example 5: A car slowing down when brakes are applied.
- Example 6: Stretching a rubber band.
Week 5: Force (Continued)
Topic: Balanced and Unbalanced Forces
Content:
Students will learn the difference between balanced and unbalanced forces, and how these forces determine whether an object remains stationary or in motion.
- Example 1: A book resting on a table – the forces acting on it are balanced.
- Example 2: A moving car with no forces acting on it – balanced forces.
- Example 3: A car accelerating on the road – unbalanced forces cause it to speed up.
- Example 4: A person pushing a stationary object with greater force than the opposing frictional force – unbalanced forces cause motion.
- Example 5: A tug-of-war where both teams pull with equal force – balanced forces.
- Example 6: A ball thrown upwards – unbalanced forces causing it to slow down, stop, and then fall.
Week 6: Force (Continued)
Topic: Newton’s Laws of Motion
Content:
Newton’s Laws of Motion are fundamental principles that explain how forces interact with objects in motion. Students will be introduced to each law with simple examples.
- Example 1: First Law (Inertia) – A car at rest stays at rest unless pushed (e.g., rolling a ball on the floor).
- Example 2: Second Law (F = ma) – The harder you push an object, the faster it will accelerate.
- Example 3: Third Law (Action and Reaction) – When you push on a wall, the wall pushes back with an equal force.
- Example 4: A rocket launching (Third Law).
- Example 5: Pushing a sled with different amounts of force (Second Law).
- Example 6: A soccer ball staying stationary until kicked (First Law).
Week 7: Force (Continued)
Topic: Practical Applications of Force
Content:
This week, students will learn about the practical applications of force in daily life, helping them see how physics principles are all around them.
- Example 1: Using force to lift an object.
- Example 2: Applying force to walk and run.
- Example 3: How car brakes use friction to stop.
- Example 4: Using a lever to lift a heavy object.
- Example 5: A person pushing a shopping cart.
- Example 6: The force used in sports, such as hitting a baseball with a bat.
Week 8: Force (Continued)
Topic: Measuring Force
Content:
Students will learn how force is measured and the units used. They will practice measuring force using tools such as spring scales.
- Example 1: Measuring the force needed to lift a weight with a spring scale.
- Example 2: Understanding how weight is measured in Newtons.
- Example 3: Using a spring scale to measure the force of friction.
- Example 4: Measuring the pull of gravity on different objects.
- Example 5: Using force to push an object up an inclined plane and measuring it.
- Example 6: Experimenting with forces to measure stretching or compressing a spring.
Week 9: Revision
Topic: Revision
Content:
This week will be dedicated to reviewing all the concepts learned throughout the term, reinforcing the students’ understanding and preparing them for the final exam.
- Example 1: Review of types of forces.
- Example 2: Revision of Newton’s Laws of Motion.
- Example 3: Practicing calculating force using F = ma.
- Example 4: Discussing practical examples of force in daily life.
- Example 5: Revisiting the difference between balanced and unbalanced forces.
- Example 6: Understanding how force affects motion and shape.
Week 10: Exam
Topic: Exam
Content:
The final week of the term is dedicated to an exam where students will be tested on their understanding of the concept of force and its applications.
- Example 1: Theoretical questions on Newton’s Laws.
- Example 2: Practical questions on measuring force.
- Example 3: Analyzing scenarios involving force in motion.
- Example 4: Multiple-choice questions on types of forces.
- Example 5: Short-answer questions about the effects of force.
- Example 6: Problem-solving exercises using the force equation (F = ma).