Wired Up: Exploring Series and Parallel Circuits

Wired Up: Exploring Series and Parallel Circuits

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson you should be able to explain the difference between series and parallel circuits.

This slide should be presented first to set the learning objective for the lesson.

What do you already know about electrical circuits?

What is an Electrical Circuit?

An electrical circuit is a path that carries electricity from a power source to a device that uses it.

Introduce the concept of an electrical circuit to the students and show a visual aid if possible.

Series Circuits

In a series circuit, the components are connected one after the other in a single loop. If one component fails, the entire circuit will be broken.

Explain the characteristics of a series circuit and provide examples.

Parallel Circuits

In a parallel circuit, the components are connected in separate branches. If one component fails, the others will continue to work.

Explain the characteristics of a parallel circuit and provide examples.

Resistance in Series Circuits

In a series circuit, the total resistance is the sum of the individual resistances. As more components are added, the total resistance increases.

Explain how resistance in series circuits works and provide examples.

Resistance in Parallel Circuits

In a parallel circuit, the total resistance is less than the individual resistances. As more components are added, the total resistance decreases.

Explain how resistance in parallel circuits works and provide examples.

Calculating Total Resistance

To calculate the total resistance in a series circuit, add the individual resistances. To calculate the total resistance in a parallel circuit, use the formula 1/Rt = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + ...

Provide students with formulas and examples to calculate total resistance in both series and parallel circuits.

Real-World Applications

Series and parallel circuits are used in many electrical devices, including Christmas lights and home wiring.

Provide examples of real-world applications of series and parallel circuits to help students understand their importance.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.