Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1, SS 1, SSS1, SSS 1)
Term: 1st Term
Week: 7
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Basic Electronics
Curriculum Theme: Basic Electronics
Previous Lesson: Electric Current: Sources of DC and AC.
Topic: RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN VOLTAGE CURRENT AND RESISTANCE.
Subject Matter: Meaning of Current, Meaning of Voltage, Meaning of Resistance, Relationship among Voltage, Current and Resistance, Basic Circuit Examples involving V, I and R.
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain:
- Define current, voltage, and resistance.
- State the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance (Ohm’s Law).
- Identify components in simple electrical circuits.
Affective Domain:
- Appreciate the importance of understanding voltage, current, and resistance in electrical applications.
- Show interest in learning how electrical circuits work.
Psychomotor Domain:
- Draw simple circuit diagrams illustrating voltage, current, and resistance.
- Apply Ohm’s Law to solve basic circuit problems.
Social Domain:
- Collaborate with peers to discuss basic circuit examples.
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 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:
- Basic circuit diagrams (on charts or projected).
- Charts of V, I, R symbols and their units.
- Whiteboard/chalkboard and markers/chalk.
Rationale for the Lesson
Understanding voltage, current, and resistance helps pupils to grasp the fundamental principles of electricity. This knowledge is important for explaining how electrical appliances work and for developing a foundational understanding of electronics.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have a basic understanding of electricity, electrical components, and simple circuits from their previous lessons.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN VOLTAGE, CURRENT, AND RESISTANCE
1. Meaning of Current (I)
Electric current is the flow of electric charge (electrons) through a conductor. It is measured in Amperes (A).
2. Meaning of Voltage (V)
Voltage, also known as electric potential difference, is the force or pressure that pushes electric current through a conductor. It is measured in Volts (V).
3. Meaning of Resistance (R)
Resistance is the opposition to the flow of electric current in a circuit. It restricts the movement of electrons. It is measured in Ohms (Ω).
4. Relationship between Voltage, Current, and Resistance (Ohm’s Law)
The relationship between voltage, current, and resistance in a circuit is described by Ohm’s Law. Ohm’s Law states that the current flowing through a conductor between two points is directly proportional to the voltage across the two points and inversely proportional to the resistance between them.
The formula for Ohm’s Law is:
- V = I × R
Where:
- V = Voltage (in Volts)
- I = Current (in Amperes)
- R = Resistance (in Ohms)
This formula can be rearranged to find other values:
- I = V / R
- R = V / I
5. Basic Circuit Examples involving V, I, and R
In a simple circuit, a power source (battery) provides voltage, which drives current through a resistor (load). The amount of current depends on the voltage and the resistance of the load.
For example, if a 12V battery is connected to a 4Ω resistor, the current flowing through the circuit can be calculated using Ohm’s Law (I = V/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 and reviews the previous lesson on basic electrical components. The teacher then introduces the topic by asking pupils what makes an electric bulb light up or a fan spin, guiding them towards the idea of electric flow and the forces involved.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to questions and listen attentively to the introduction of the new topic.
Learning Point: Pupils recall previous knowledge and are prepared for the new lesson.
Step 2: Meaning of Current
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines electric current, explains it as the flow of charge, and mentions its unit (Ampere). The teacher uses an analogy of water flowing through a pipe to explain current.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the meaning of electric current and its unit.
Step 3: Meaning of Voltage
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines voltage as the electrical pressure or force that drives current. The teacher explains its unit (Volt) and uses the water pipe analogy again, relating voltage to water pressure.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and relate the concept to the analogy.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the meaning of voltage and its unit.
Step 4: Meaning of Resistance
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines resistance as the opposition to current flow and explains its unit (Ohm). The teacher uses the water pipe analogy to describe resistance as something narrowing the pipe.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and grasp the concept of resistance.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the meaning of resistance and its unit.
Step 5: Relationship between V, I, and R (Ohm’s Law)
Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Elaboration/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces Ohm’s Law, states its formula (V=IR), and explains how voltage, current, and resistance are interconnected. The teacher writes the formula and its variations on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils copy the formula and its variations, asking questions about its application.
Learning Point: Pupils learn Ohm’s Law and its mathematical representation.
Step 6: Basic Circuit Examples
Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Application/Problem Solving
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher draws a simple circuit diagram on the board involving a battery, a resistor, and shows how current flows. The teacher then works through a simple calculation using Ohm’s Law (e.g., given V and R, find I).
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the circuit diagram, copy the example, and attempt to solve similar problems.
Learning Point: Pupils see the practical application of Ohm’s Law in simple circuits.
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 and state its unit.
- What is voltage, and what is its unit?
- Explain resistance and state its unit.
- State Ohm’s Law and write its formula.
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/Assignment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the main points of the lesson, reiterating the definitions of current, voltage, and resistance, and the importance of Ohm’s Law. The teacher then gives pupils homework to research practical applications of Ohm’s Law.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and are given tasks for further engagement.
Lesson Keywords
- Current – The flow of electric charge.
- Voltage – The electrical pressure or force.
- Resistance – The opposition to current flow.
- Ohm’s Law – The relationship between voltage, current, and resistance (V=IR).
- Circuit – A closed path through which electric current flows.
Differentiation
For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can provide additional challenge questions involving rearranging Ohm’s Law. For pupils who need more support, the teacher can provide simplified diagrams and step-by-step guidance for calculations, or pair them with more advanced learners.
Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Encourage pupils to ask questions and relate the concepts to everyday electrical devices. Practical demonstrations with simple circuits, if available, can greatly enhance understanding.

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