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Series & Parallel Circuit

Lesson Title: Series & Parallel Circuit

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Grade Level: High school (10th-12th grade)

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Subject: Science (Physics), Applied Design, Skills and Technology (ADST) Electronics

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Objectives:

  • Understand the difference between series and parallel circuits

  • Understand how to calculate the total resistance, current, and voltage in series and parallel circuits

  • Build and test series and parallel circuits

  • Use simulation tool to test series and parallel circuits

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Procedure:

Introduction 

  • Introduce the topic of series and parallel circuits.

  • Review the basics of electricity and the difference between series and parallel circuits.

  • Explain the importance of understanding series and parallel circuits in designing and analyzing circuits.

  • Define series circuit and its characteristics.

  • Explain how to calculate the total resistance, current, and voltage in a series circuit.

  • Define parallel circuit and its characteristics.

  • Explain how to calculate the total resistance, current, and voltage in a parallel circuit.

Simulation

  • Have students create a series and a parallel circuit in simulation tool them to measure voltage and current.

  • Have students compare the simulated results with the calculations done in the previous steps.

Hands-on Experimentation

  • Demonstrate how to build a series circuit using a breadboard and jumper wires.

  • Have students practice building and testing series circuits in pairs or small groups.

  • Demonstrate how to build a parallel circuit using a breadboard and jumper wires.

  • Have students practice building and testing parallel circuits in pairs or small groups.

Synthesis 

  • Have students calculate the total resistance, current, and voltage for the series and parallel circuits they built.

  • Compare the calculated values with the measured values using the multimeter.

  • Discuss any discrepancies or errors in the measurements or calculations.

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Assessment:

Formative assessment: Students will participate in class discussions and activities, successfully build and measure series and parallel circuits using the provided materials, and complete a circuit on simulation tool.

Summative assessment: Students will complete a written assessment that includes solving problems involving series and parallel circuits, building and measuring series and parallel circuits using the provided materials, and simulating series and parallel circuits using a simulation tool .

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