Density and Specific Heat Capacity — Interactive Lesson (Ages 14–16)

Why does ice float, why does palm oil sit on top of water, and why does water take so long to boil? This 22-slide interactive lesson on specific heat capacity takes pupils from first ideas to exam-style explanations, with 13 self-marking activities and nothing to prepare beforehand.

Teaching Density and Specific Heat Capacity in GCSE Physics

Pupils calculate density with ρ = m ÷ V, describe how to measure the density of regular and irregular objects using a ruler or a eureka can, and use the particle model to explain differences in density between states. They calculate thermal energy changes with ΔE = m × c × Δθ and explain specific latent heat and why temperature stays constant during a change of state.

What Pupils Will Learn

• Calculate density using ρ = m ÷ V.
• Describe how to measure the density of regular and irregular objects.
• Explain differences in density between solids, liquids and gases.
• Calculate energy changes using ΔE = m × c × Δθ.
• Explain specific latent heat and changes of state.

What’s Included

• 22-slide interactive lesson
• 13 self-marking activities: multiple-choice questions, true-or-false checks, sorting tasks, drag-and-drop categorising and fill-in-the-gap questions
• Step-by-step teaching cards that reveal one point at a time
• A written explanation task with a model answer for self-assessment

Why Teachers Love It

• No prep — open it on an interactive whiteboard, laptop or tablet
• Instant feedback explains every answer, right or wrong
• Everyday examples make physics feel real
• Works for whole-class teaching, independent study or revision

Curriculum Alignment

Supports UK GCSE Physics and Combined Science (AQA, Edexcel and OCR) and the Nigerian Senior Secondary Physics curriculum (SS1), including WAEC and NECO exam preparation.

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FAQ

What year groups is this for? Years 10–11 (ages 14–16), and SS1 in Nigeria.

Is it self-marking? Yes — all 13 activities give instant feedback.

Do pupils need to log in? No. The lesson runs in any modern web browser.

Can I use it for revision? Yes. Pupils can replay it as often as they like, and the results screen shows which questions to review before a test.