Make and Calibrate a Force Meter

Overview

Find the spring constant of a spring and use it to determine the mass of an unknown object.

Key knowledge and explanations

• Core practical focus: Find the spring constant of a spring and use it to determine the mass of an unknown object.
• Identify the variables, method steps, and data that matter.
• Note the equipment, safety points, and precision issues to emphasise.

Lesson flow

1. Review the question, method, and success criteria for the practical work.
2. Set up equipment and model any critical measurements or safety points.
3. Collect results, observations, or graphs with checks on accuracy and control variables.
4. Review conclusions, anomalies, and how the method could be improved.

Checks for understanding

• Check that students can justify the method and identify variables.
• Use one question on results, anomalies, or evaluation to test understanding.

Common mistakes or misconceptions

• Missing control variables, weak measurement technique, or poor recording of data.
• Safety, setup, or graphing errors that need modelling before students continue.

Follow-up

• Complete the write-up, analysis, or evaluation.
• Revisit the method or results in the next lesson if improvement is needed.