Class: Senior Secondary School 2 (SS2 / SSS2)
Term: 1st Term
Week: 5
Age: 16 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Basic Electricity
Curriculum Theme: Electrical Systems
Previous Lesson: Transmission of Electricity: Components and Layout.
Topic: DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRICITY
Subject Matter: Meaning of electricity distribution (delivery of power to consumers), layout and main components of electricity distribution (substation, transformers, feeders, distributors), functions of substation transformers distributors and feeders (voltage reduction and power delivery)
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain:
- Define electricity distribution.
- Identify the main components of electricity distribution.
- Explain the functions of substations, transformers, feeders, and distributors.
Affective Domain:
- Appreciate the importance of an efficient electricity distribution system.
- Show interest in learning about electrical infrastructure.
Psychomotor Domain:
- Sketch a simple layout of electricity distribution components.
- Label the main components in a distribution diagram.
Social Domain:
- Collaborate with peers to discuss and understand distribution concepts.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- Senior Secondary Schools Education Curriculum
- State Unified Scheme of Work
- New System Basic Electricity for Senior Secondary Schools, Book 2
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- Distribution charts
- Pictures of transformers
- Layout diagrams of electricity distribution systems
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson helps pupils understand how electricity generated in power stations reaches their homes and businesses. It enables them to recognize the key parts of the distribution network and their roles in delivering electrical power safely and efficiently to consumers.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have a basic understanding of electricity generation and transmission systems.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRICITY
Meaning of Electricity Distribution
Electricity distribution is the final stage in the delivery of electric power. It carries electricity from the transmission system to individual consumers in homes, offices, and industries. This process involves reducing high transmission voltages to lower, usable voltages.
Layout and Main Components of Electricity Distribution
The electricity distribution system consists of various components that work together to deliver power. The main components include:
- Substation: A facility that steps down voltage from the transmission lines to a level suitable for local distribution.
- Transformers: Devices used to change the voltage of alternating current (AC) from one level to another. In distribution, they step down voltage further for consumer use.
- Feeders: Primary distribution lines that carry medium voltage electricity from substations to various load centres or distribution transformers.
- Distributors: Secondary distribution lines that carry low voltage electricity from distribution transformers directly to consumers’ service drops.
Functions of Electricity Distribution Components
Each component plays a specific role in the distribution process:
- Substation: Its main function is to reduce the high voltage from transmission lines to a lower voltage suitable for primary distribution. It also contains equipment for switching, protection, and control.
- Transformers: In distribution, transformers (especially pole-mounted or pad-mounted ones) step down the primary distribution voltage (e.g., 11kV) to the secondary distribution voltage (e.g., 415V/240V) that is safe and usable by consumers.
- Feeders: These conduct electricity from the substation to different areas within the distribution network. They are designed to carry significant power over medium distances.
- Distributors: These lines branch off from the feeders or distribution transformers and deliver the final low-voltage electricity to individual consumer premises. They are designed to supply power to multiple consumers within a localized area.
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 how electricity gets to their homes after being generated.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by mentioning transmission lines or power poles.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to the concept of electricity reaching consumers.
Step 2: Explanation of Electricity Distribution
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines electricity distribution as the process of delivering electric power from substations to consumers.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and take notes on the definition.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the meaning of electricity distribution.
Step 3: Identification of Main Components
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Identification
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays distribution charts and diagrams, pointing out and naming the main components like substations, transformers, feeders, and distributors.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the charts and identify the components as named by the teacher.
Learning Point: Pupils can identify the key parts of a distribution system.
Step 4: Explanation of Functions of Substation and Transformers
Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the specific functions of substations (voltage step-down for distribution) and transformers (further voltage reduction for consumer use) using pictures.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and note down the functions of each component.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the roles of substations and transformers.
Step 5: Explanation of Functions of Feeders and Distributors
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the functions of feeders (carrying power from substation to load centers) and distributors (delivering power to individual consumers).
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils pay attention and record the functions in their notebooks.
Learning Point: Pupils learn the roles of feeders and distributors.
Step 6: Drawing the Layout
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Practice
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to sketch a simple layout of electricity distribution showing the components identified.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils attempt to draw the distribution layout in their notes.
Learning Point: Pupils practice illustrating the distribution system.
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 electricity distribution?
- Mention three main components of an electricity distribution system.
- State two functions of a substation in electricity distribution.
- Explain the difference between a feeder and a distributor.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.
Step 8: Conclusion
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson and assigns homework, asking pupils to draw a detailed diagram of electricity distribution showing all components and their connections.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy down the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and prepare for further study.
Lesson Keywords
- Electricity distribution – The process of delivering electric power from substations to consumers.
- Substation – A facility that steps down voltage for local distribution.
- Transformers – Devices that change voltage levels in AC circuits.
- Feeders – Primary lines carrying medium voltage from substations to load centers.
- Distributors – Secondary lines delivering low voltage directly to consumers.
Differentiation
For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can ask them to research different types of distribution systems (e.g., radial, ring, network). For those needing more support, the teacher will provide more one-on-one guidance and simplified diagrams.
Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Ensure that the diagrams used are clear and simple enough for pupils to understand and reproduce. Emphasize the importance of safety when discussing electrical systems. Encourage pupils to relate the concepts to the electricity supply in their local communities.

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