Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1 / SSS 1)
Term: First Term
Week: 9
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Radio, TV & Electronics
Curriculum Theme: Trade
Previous Lesson: Current, Voltage And Resistance: Attraction And Repulsion Laws.
Topic: ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS.
Subject Matter: Identification of components, Types of components, Graphic symbols
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain:
- Define electronic components.
- List different types of electronic components.
- Identify common electronic components by their physical appearance.
- State the graphic symbols for common electronic components.
Affective Domain:
- Appreciate the importance of electronic components in modern technology.
- Show interest in identifying and understanding electronic components.
- Recognize the need for standard graphic symbols in electronics.
Psychomotor Domain:
- Draw the graphic symbols for at least five common electronic components.
- Select specific components from a mixed collection.
Social Domain:
- Work cooperatively when identifying components in a group.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Basic Technology.
- State Unified Scheme of Work for Senior Secondary Schools.
- Basic Electronics for Senior Secondary Schools by [Author/Publisher, e.g., F.N. Anyakoha].
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- Physical samples of electronic components (resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors, integrated circuits).
- Charts showing graphic symbols of various electronic components.
- Whiteboard and markers/chalk.
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson helps pupils understand the basic building blocks of all electronic devices around them. Knowing how to identify these components and their symbols is fundamental for anyone interested in electronics, enabling them to understand, assemble, and repair electronic circuits.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils are assumed to have a basic understanding of electricity and simple electrical circuits from previous lessons in Basic Technology or Integrated Science.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS
Definition of Electronic Components
Electronic components are basic discrete devices or parts used in electronic circuits to produce a desired effect. They are the building blocks of all electronic systems and equipment.
Types of Electronic Components
Electronic components can be broadly classified into two main types:
- Passive Components: These are components that do not require an external power source to operate and do not provide amplification or gain. They include resistors, capacitors, and inductors.
- Active Components: These are components that require an external power source to operate and can control, amplify, or generate electrical signals. They include diodes, transistors, and integrated circuits (ICs).
Examples of common electronic components include:
- Resistors
- Capacitors
- Inductors
- Diodes
- Transistors
- Integrated Circuits (ICs)
Graphic Symbols for Electronic Components
Graphic symbols are standardized drawings used in circuit diagrams to represent electronic components. They simplify the design and understanding of complex circuits.
The following are common electronic components and their graphic symbols:
- Resistor: [Teacher draws standard zig-zag or rectangular symbol]
- Capacitor (Polarized): [Teacher draws two parallel lines, one curved, with + sign]
- Capacitor (Non-polarized): [Teacher draws two parallel lines]
- Diode: [Teacher draws triangle pointing to a line]
- LED (Light Emitting Diode): [Teacher draws diode symbol with two arrows pointing outwards]
- Transistor (NPN): [Teacher draws circle with three leads – base, collector, emitter, with arrow on emitter pointing outwards]
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 name some electronic devices they use daily (e.g., phone, radio, TV). The teacher then explains that all these devices are made up of smaller parts called electronic components, introducing the topic for the day.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the questions and listen attentively to the introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils connect the lesson to their everyday experiences and are introduced to the topic.
Step 2: Definition of Electronic Components
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines electronic components as basic parts used in electronic circuits and explains their fundamental role as building blocks of electronic devices. The definition is written on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the meaning of electronic components.
Step 3: Identification of Components
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Observation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays various physical electronic components (resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors, ICs). The teacher picks each component, states its name, and briefly explains its appearance and basic function. Pupils are encouraged to handle the components carefully.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the components, listen to the teacher, and try to identify the names of the components as demonstrated.
Learning Point: Pupils can physically identify common electronic components.
Step 4: Types of Electronic Components
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Classification/Categorization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the two main classifications of electronic components: Passive and Active. Examples for each type are given and written on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and differentiate between passive and active components.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the classification of electronic components.
Step 5: Graphic Symbols for Electronic Components
Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Illustration/Drawing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the importance of graphic symbols in circuit diagrams. Using the symbol chart and the whiteboard, the teacher draws and explains the standard graphic symbols for common components like resistors, capacitors (polarized and non-polarized), diodes, and transistors.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the symbols, listen to explanations, and practice drawing the symbols in their notebooks.
Learning Point: Pupils can recognize and draw graphic symbols for common components.
Step 6: Evaluation/Review
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:
- What are electronic components?
- Mention two types of electronic components.
- List three common electronic components.
- Draw the graphic symbol for a resistor and a polarized capacitor.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.
Step 7: Conclusion
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, reiterating the definition, types, and importance of identifying electronic components and their symbols. Homework is assigned: “Draw and label the graphic symbols for five different electronic components.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and prepare for further study.
Lesson Keywords
- Electronic Component – Basic discrete devices used in electronic circuits.
- Resistor – A passive component that opposes the flow of electric current.
- Capacitor – A passive component that stores electrical energy in an electric field.
- Diode – An active component that allows current to flow in one direction only.
- Transistor – An active component used for switching or amplifying electronic signals.
- Passive Component – Components that do not require external power and do not amplify.
- Active Component – Components that require external power and can amplify or control signals.
- Graphic Symbol – A standardized drawing representing an electronic component in a circuit diagram.
Differentiation
For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can challenge them to identify more complex components or research the function of specific components like ICs. For pupils who are struggling, the teacher can provide additional one-on-one guidance during the identification and drawing activities, using larger visual aids or more simplified explanations. Practical handling of components will benefit kinesthetic learners, while visual learners will benefit from the charts and whiteboard drawings.
Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Ensure a variety of physical components are available for demonstration and handling. Emphasize safety when handling components, especially those with sharp leads. Encourage pupils to actively participate in identifying components and drawing symbols. Circuit diagrams can be introduced briefly to show the application of these symbols.

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