Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - JHS 1
FORCE AND MOTION
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FORCE AND MOTION
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Subject: Science
Class: JHS 1
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 5
Grade code: B7.4.4.2.1
Strand code: 4
Sub-strand code: 4
Content standard code: B7.4.4.2
Indicator code: B7.4.4.2.1
Theme: FORCES AND ENERGY
Subtheme: FORCE AND MOTION
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In our daily life in Ghana, we often need to lift heavy loads, open bottles, cut food, fetch water, pound fufu, or move items at the market. Many of these tasks become easier because we use simple machines—tools that help us apply force more effectively. Understanding simple machines helps learners to: work safely and efficiently, appreciate local tools (e.g., cutlass, wheelbarrow, mortar and pestle), solve practical problems at home, school, and in the community.
2.1 Force, Work, and Why Machines Help Force: a push or pull that can change the motion of an object. Work (in Science) is done when a force moves an object through a distance. \[ \text{Work} = \text{Force} \times \text{Distance} \] A machine helps us do work more easily by: Reducing the effort force needed (making it feel easier), Changing the direction of the applied force, Increasing the distance over which we apply the force (so we can use less force).
> Important idea: A machine does not “create” energy. It helps us use our force better. 2.2 Definition: Simple Machine A simple machine is a basic device that makes work easier by changing the size (magnitude) or direction of a force. 2.3 The Six Common Simple Machines (Core Content) At JHS1, learners should be able to identify and give examples of these: 1) Lever A lever is a rigid bar that turns around a fixed point called the fulcrum. Effort: the force you apply Load: the object being moved Fulcrum: pivot point
Ghanaian examples Seesaw (playground) Bottle opener Crowbar used by carpenters/builders Cutlass (acts like a lever in some uses, but mainly a wedge for cutting) Wheelbarrow (also a lever)
How it helps Can reduce effort needed to lift a load. Can increase force applied to the load. 2) Inclined Plane An inclined plane is a sloping surface used to raise or lower objects.