Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1, SS 1, SSS1, SSS 1)
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 9
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Basic Electronics
Curriculum Theme: Basic Electronics
Previous Lesson: Electric Circuit: Basic Components and Circuit Boards.
Topic: ELECTRIC CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENT
Subject Matter: series circuit arrangement, parallel circuit arrangement, series parallel circuit arrangement, wiring series circuits, wiring parallel circuits, wiring series parallel circuits

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define series, parallel, and series-parallel circuit arrangements.
Explain the characteristics of voltage, current, and resistance in each circuit arrangement.
Differentiate between series and parallel circuit arrangements.

Affective Domain:

Show interest in practical wiring activities.
Appreciate the importance of correct circuit wiring.
Demonstrate carefulness when handling electrical components.

Psychomotor Domain:

Wire a simple series circuit.
Wire a simple parallel circuit.
Wire a simple series-parallel circuit.
Measure voltage, current, and resistance in wired circuits using appropriate meters.

Work cooperatively with peers during practical wiring exercises.
Share instructional materials responsibly.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Basic Technology (JSS 1-3)
State Unified Scheme of Work for Basic Electronics SSS 1
Basic Electronics for Senior Secondary Schools by A.O. Okoro

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Resistors
Cells (batteries)
Connecting wires
Circuit boards
Voltmeter
Ammeter
Ohmmeter

Rationale for the Lesson

Understanding different circuit arrangements helps pupils to correctly connect components in electronic projects. This knowledge is important for safely building and troubleshooting electrical and electronic systems in their daily lives and for future technical careers.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils should have a basic understanding of electric current, voltage, resistance, and common electrical components such as resistors and cells.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

ELECTRIC CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENT

1. Series Circuit Arrangement

A series circuit is an electrical circuit in which components are connected end-to-end, forming a single path for current flow.

The following are characteristics of a series circuit:

The current is the same at all points in the circuit.
The total voltage across the circuit is the sum of the voltages across each component.
The total resistance is the sum of the individual resistances (R_T = R₁ + R₂ + … + R_n).
If one component breaks, the entire circuit breaks.

Wiring Series Circuits: To wire a series circuit, connect the output of one component to the input of the next component sequentially, forming a single loop back to the power source.

2. Parallel Circuit Arrangement

A parallel circuit is an electrical circuit in which components are connected across each other, providing multiple paths for current flow.

The following are characteristics of a parallel circuit:

The voltage across each branch (component) is the same.
The total current flowing from the source is the sum of the currents in each branch.
The reciprocal of the total resistance is the sum of the reciprocals of the individual resistances (1/R_T = 1/R₁ + 1/R₂ + … + 1/R_n).
If one component breaks, other components in parallel can still operate.

Wiring Parallel Circuits: To wire a parallel circuit, connect the inputs of all components to one common point of the power source and the outputs of all components to another common point of the power source, creating separate branches.

3. Series-Parallel Circuit Arrangement

A series-parallel circuit is a combination of both series and parallel connections within the same circuit. Some components are connected in series, while others are connected in parallel.

The following are characteristics of a series-parallel circuit:

The rules for series and parallel connections are applied to their respective parts of the circuit.
Total resistance, voltage, and current are calculated by breaking down the circuit into its series and parallel sections.

Wiring Series-Parallel Circuits: To wire a series-parallel circuit, first identify the series and parallel sections. Wire the series components sequentially, and wire the parallel components across each other. Then, connect these sections together according to the overall circuit design.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

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

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction/Review
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils, reviews the previous lesson on basic electrical components, and introduces the new topic by asking pupils how they think electrical components are connected in devices.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to questions and listen attentively.
Learning Point: Pupils recall previous knowledge and are introduced to the lesson topic.

Step 2: Explanation of Series Circuit Arrangement

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines a series circuit, explains its characteristics regarding current, voltage, and total resistance, and demonstrates a simple series circuit connection using components on a circuit board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and observe the demonstration.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the concept and characteristics of a series circuit.

Step 3: Practical Wiring of Series Circuits

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Practical/Guidance
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils, in small groups, to wire simple series circuits using resistors, cells, and connecting wires. The teacher also demonstrates how to measure voltage and current in the series circuit using a voltmeter and ammeter.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils actively participate in wiring the circuits and taking measurements under supervision.
Learning Point: Pupils gain practical skills in wiring and measuring series circuits.

Step 4: Explanation of Parallel Circuit Arrangement

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines a parallel circuit, explains its characteristics regarding current, voltage, and total resistance, and demonstrates a simple parallel circuit connection.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and observe the demonstration.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the concept and characteristics of a parallel circuit.

Step 5: Practical Wiring of Parallel Circuits

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Practical/Guidance
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to wire simple parallel circuits and demonstrates how to measure voltage and current in the parallel circuit.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils wire the circuits and take measurements, applying the learned concepts.
Learning Point: Pupils gain practical skills in wiring and measuring parallel circuits.

Step 6: Explanation and Wiring of Series-Parallel Circuits

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines a series-parallel circuit, explains its combined characteristics, and briefly demonstrates a simple series-parallel connection. Pupils are guided to attempt wiring a basic series-parallel circuit.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe, listen, and attempt to wire the series-parallel circuit.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the combination of series and parallel connections.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

Define a series circuit.
State two characteristics of a parallel circuit.
Differentiate between a series and a parallel circuit based on current flow.
Describe the steps to wire a simple series-parallel circuit.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization/Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, emphasizing the importance of understanding circuit arrangements for practical applications. The teacher gives pupils homework to draw and label a series-parallel circuit diagram.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions for clarification, and note down the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and are given tasks for further practice.

Lesson Keywords

Series circuit – An electrical circuit where components are connected end-to-end, forming a single path for current.
Parallel circuit – An electrical circuit where components are connected across each other, providing multiple paths for current.
Series-parallel circuit – An electrical circuit that combines both series and parallel connections.
Voltage – The electrical potential difference between two points in a circuit.
Current – The flow of electric charge through a circuit.
Resistance – The opposition to the flow of electric current.

Differentiation

The teacher will provide additional support to struggling pupils through one-on-one guidance during practical sessions and simplified explanations. Advanced pupils will be challenged with more complex circuit wiring tasks and encouraged to explore calculations for total resistance in series-parallel circuits.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure all safety precautions are observed during practical wiring activities. Emphasize the correct use of measuring instruments. Encourage pupils to work collaboratively and provide constructive feedback on their practical work.