Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1 / SSS 1)
Term: 1st Term
Week: 7
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Radio, Tv & Electronics
Curriculum Theme: Trade
Previous Lesson: Conductors, Insulators And Semi-Conductors: P-Type And N-Type Structures.
Topic: CURRENT, VOLTAGE, AND RESISTANCE
Subject Matter: Definition of voltage, Definition of current, Definition of resistance, Units, Symbols
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain:
- Define electric current, voltage, and resistance.
- State the standard units for current, voltage, and resistance.
- Identify the symbols used to represent current, voltage, and resistance.
Affective Domain:
- Appreciate the importance of understanding basic electrical quantities.
- Show interest in learning about electrical circuits.
- Value safety precautions when working with electricity.
Psychomotor Domain:
- Draw the basic circuit symbols for current, voltage, and resistance.
- Observe a multimeter demonstrating measurements of electrical quantities.
Social Domain:
- Participate actively in class discussions.
- Collaborate with peers to clarify understanding of concepts.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Radio, TV & Electronics.
- State Unified Scheme of Work for Senior Secondary Schools.
- Basic Electronics for Senior Secondary Schools by O.A. Okoro.
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- A multimeter
- A circuit chart displaying basic electrical components and symbols
- Chalkboard and chalk
Rationale for the Lesson
Understanding current, voltage, and resistance is fundamental to all areas of electronics and electricity. This lesson helps pupils grasp how electricity behaves and forms the basis for comprehending how various electronic devices function in their daily lives.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils are expected to have a basic understanding of electricity from their Junior Secondary School Integrated Science lessons, including the concept of electric charge and simple circuits.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
CURRENT, VOLTAGE, AND RESISTANCE
Definition of Current
Electric current is defined as the rate of flow of electric charge past a point or through a region. It is the movement of electrons through a conductor.
Definition of Voltage
Voltage, also known as potential difference or electromotive force (EMF), is the electrical pressure or force that causes electric current to flow in a circuit. It is the energy per unit charge.
Definition of Resistance
Electrical resistance is the opposition offered by a material to the flow of electric current. Materials that offer high resistance are called insulators, while those offering low resistance are called conductors.
Units and Symbols
The standard units and symbols for current, voltage, and resistance are:
- Current: The unit is Ampere (A). The symbol for current is ‘I’.
- Voltage: The unit is Volt (V). The symbol for voltage is ‘V’ or ‘E’.
- Resistance: The unit is Ohm (Ω). The symbol for resistance is ‘R’.
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, reviews the previous lesson briefly, and asks pupils what they understand by electricity. The teacher then introduces the topic “Current, Voltage, and Resistance” as fundamental concepts in electricity.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to questions and listen attentively to the introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils are prepared for the new lesson and connect it to prior knowledge.
Step 2: Definition of Current
Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines electric current as the rate of flow of electric charge, explaining it as the movement of electrons. The teacher writes the definition, unit (Ampere), and symbol (I) on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions for clarity, and write down the definition, unit, and symbol in their notes.
Learning Point: Pupils understand what electric current is and its basic properties.
Step 3: Definition of Voltage
Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines voltage as the electrical pressure that causes current to flow, also known as potential difference. The teacher writes the definition, unit (Volt), and symbol (V or E) on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, participate in discussions, and record the definition, unit, and symbol.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the concept of voltage as the driving force for current.
Step 4: Definition of Resistance
Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines electrical resistance as the opposition to the flow of current. The teacher gives examples of conductors and insulators and writes the definition, unit (Ohm), and symbol (R) on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions, and take down notes on the definition, unit, and symbol of resistance.
Learning Point: Pupils understand how materials impede current flow and the concept of resistance.
Step 5: Units and Symbols
Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher clearly displays and reiterates the units (Ampere, Volt, Ohm) and symbols (I, V, R) for current, voltage, and resistance, using the circuit chart to show how they are represented in diagrams.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the chart, confirm their notes, and practice drawing the symbols.
Learning Point: Pupils correctly identify and associate units and symbols with their respective electrical quantities.
Step 6: Practical Demonstration (Optional)
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Practical Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: If available, the teacher uses a multimeter to briefly demonstrate how voltage across a battery or current through a simple circuit can be measured, pointing out the units displayed on the meter.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration and ask questions about the use of the multimeter.
Learning Point: Pupils gain a practical perspective on how these quantities are measured.
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 electric current.
- What is voltage?
- Explain what electrical resistance means.
- State the unit and symbol for current, voltage, and resistance.
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/Assignment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, emphasizing the definitions, units, and symbols of current, voltage, and resistance. The teacher then gives an assignment: “Research and write a short note on Ohm’s Law.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and are prepared for future topics.
Lesson Keywords
- Current – The rate of flow of electric charge.
- Voltage – The electrical pressure causing current flow.
- Resistance – The opposition to the flow of electric current.
- Ampere (A) – The unit of electric current.
- Volt (V) – The unit of voltage.
- Ohm (Ω) – The unit of electrical resistance.
Differentiation
For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can ask them to consider real-life applications of these concepts or the relationship between them. For pupils needing more support, the teacher can provide additional examples or simpler analogies and allow for peer-to-peer explanation.
Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Ensure to clearly illustrate the concepts with practical examples from daily life where possible. If a multimeter is not available, use diagrams or videos to show how electrical quantities are measured. Emphasize the importance of safety when discussing electricity.

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