Class: Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS 1 / JS1)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 7
Age: 12 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Basic Science and Technology
Curriculum Theme: Basic Technology
Previous Lesson: Maintenance of Tools and, Machines.
Topic: BASIC ELECTRICITY
Subject Matter: Definition and types of current, Definition of electric circuit, its components and symbols

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

What is electric current?
Mention two types of electric current and give an example for each.
Define an electric circuit.
List three basic components of an electric circuit.
Draw the symbol for a battery and a light bulb.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson on basic electricity, current, circuits, and components. The teacher then assigns homework, asking pupils to draw a simple complete circuit diagram using the correct symbols.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and prepare for further study.

Home Task: Record two correct examples of BASIC ELECTRICITY from the lesson or home environment and explain each in your own words.

Lesson Keywords

Electric current – The flow of electric charges.
Direct Current (DC) – Current flowing in one direction.
Alternating Current (AC) – Current that periodically reverses direction.
Electric circuit – A complete path for electric current.
Conductor – Material that allows current to flow.
Insulator – Material that blocks current flow.
Load – Component that uses electrical energy.
Switch – Device to open or close a circuit.
Symbol – A graphic representation of a circuit component.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can challenge them to identify more complex circuit components or research common uses of AC and DC. For pupils needing more support, the teacher will provide simplified diagrams and offer one-on-one guidance during drawing activities, focusing on the most basic components and definitions.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure to use clear and simple language appropriate for JSS 1 pupils. Emphasize safety precautions when discussing electricity, even at this basic level. Hands-on demonstration of a simple circuit is highly recommended to enhance understanding. Encourage pupils to draw symbols accurately as it forms a foundation for future electrical studies.

Cognitive Domain:

Define electric current and an electric circuit.
Identify and differentiate between the types of electric current.
List the basic components of an electric circuit.
State the standard symbols for common circuit components.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of electricity in daily life.
Show interest in learning about electrical circuits.
Recognize the need for safety when dealing with electricity.

Psychomotor Domain:

Draw the standard symbols for basic electric circuit components.
Identify basic components in a simple circuit diagram.

Participate actively in discussions about basic electricity.
Work cooperatively with peers to understand circuit concepts.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
State Unified Scheme of Work
Basic Science and Technology for Junior Secondary Schools 1 by S.O. Oduwaiye et al.
https://www.electricaltechnology.org/2020/12/basic-electrical-components-symbols.html
https://www.scienceinschool.org/article/2012/current/

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Charts showing definitions of current and circuit.
Diagrams illustrating types of current (AC and DC).
A chart displaying common electric circuit components and their symbols.
A simple complete electric circuit (e.g., battery, bulb, switch, connecting wires).

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the fundamental concepts of electricity, which is essential for daily life. It provides a basic understanding of how electrical devices work and the components that make up an electrical system.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have a general understanding of energy and its various forms, including electrical energy, from their primary school science lessons and everyday observations.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

BASIC ELECTRICITY

Definition of Electric Current

Electric current is the flow of electric charges (usually electrons) through a conductor. It is measured in Amperes (A).

Types of Electric Current

There are two main types of electric current:

Direct Current (DC): This is an electric current that flows in only one direction. It is produced by sources like batteries, cells, and solar cells.
Alternating Current (AC): This is an electric current that periodically reverses its direction. It is the type of electricity supplied to homes and businesses from power stations.

Definition of Electric Circuit

An electric circuit is a complete, closed path through which electric current can flow. It must have a power source, a conductor, and a load.

Components of an Electric Circuit and their Symbols

An electric circuit is made up of several parts, each with a specific function and symbol:

Power Source (Battery/Cell): Provides the electrical energy that drives the current.
Symbol: Two parallel lines, one long and thin (positive terminal) and one short and thick (negative terminal).
Conductor (Connecting Wire): A material (usually metal wire) that allows electric current to flow easily through it.
Symbol: A straight line.
Load (Bulb/Resistor): An electrical component that uses the electrical energy and converts it into another form, such as light or heat.
Symbol for Bulb: A circle with a cross inside it.

Symbol for Resistor: A zigzag line.
Switch: A device used to open or close an electric circuit, thereby controlling the flow of current.
Symbol for Open Switch: A gap in the line with a pivot, showing a break in the circuit.

Symbol for Closed Switch: A continuous line with a pivot, showing a complete circuit.
Ammeter: A device used to measure electric current in a circuit.
Symbol: A circle with the letter ‘A’ inside it.
Voltmeter: A device used to measure potential difference (voltage) across two points in a circuit.
Symbol: A circle with the letter ‘V’ inside it.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them to recall what they know about energy. The teacher then introduces the topic “Basic Electricity” by asking pupils about electrical appliances they use daily.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and mention various electrical appliances.
Learning Point: Pupils are prepared for the new lesson and connect it to their prior knowledge.

Step 2: Definition and Types of Electric Current

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines electric current as the flow of electric charges. Using charts and simple analogies (e.g., water flow in a pipe), the teacher explains and differentiates between Direct Current (DC) and Alternating Current (AC), giving examples of their sources.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, take notes, and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the definition of electric current and its two main types.

Step 3: Types of Electric Current

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Differentiation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the two main types of current: Direct Current (DC) and Alternating Current (AC), giving examples of sources for each. The teacher uses diagrams to illustrate.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe the diagrams, and identify the differences between DC and AC.
Learning Point: Pupils can identify and differentiate between DC and AC.

Step 3: Definition of Electric Circuit

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Definition/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines an electric circuit as a complete path for current flow. The teacher then uses a dry cell, connecting wires, a bulb, and a switch to demonstrate a simple closed circuit where the bulb lights up, and an open circuit where it does not.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration, listen to the definition, and understand the concept of a complete path.
Learning Point: Pupils grasp the definition and function of an electric circuit.

Step 5: Components of an Electric Circuit

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Listing/Identification
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher lists and explains the basic components of an electric circuit (power source, conductor, load, switch) using the simple circuit model. The teacher writes the components on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify the components in the demonstrated circuit and list them in their notebooks.
Learning Point: Pupils can name the basic components of an electric circuit.

Step 6: Symbols of Electric Circuit Components

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Illustration/Drawing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays a chart with the standard symbols for each component and demonstrates how to draw them clearly on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the symbols and practice drawing them in their notes.
Learning Point: Pupils can draw the standard symbols for common circuit components.