Lesson Plan 3.

Unit 3: ENERGY IN THE HOME: Household Electricity

Topic: Series and Parallel Circuit
Time Frame: 2 days

I. OBJECTIVES

General Objective
1. Understand the basic concepts and principles of electricity as used in home circuit
connections.

Specific Objectives
1. Make proper circuit connections based on circuit diagrams.
2. Demonstrate the proper way of connecting the ammeter and voltmeter in a circuit.
3. Measure current and voltage in the different branches in the circuit.
4. Differentiate series from parallel circuit connections.
5. Explain why household appliances are usually connected in parallel.

II. SUBJECT MATTER

A. Lesson: Series and Parallel Connections

.
B. References
1. Conceptual physics
2. Physics, science and technology for a better life
3. Physics Teachers Resource Manual
4. Resources for In-Service Programs in Physics Education

C. Materials
Activity Sheet 3.9 and the materials listed on it

III LEARNING ACTIVITIES

A. Motivation/Review
1. Ask your students the following questions:
- How are your household appliances connected?
- Why do you think are these devices connected the way they are?
2. At this point inform your students about the day’s lesson. Tell them that after they
perform the activity, they will understand why household appliances are
connected the way they are.

B. Lesson/Activity Proper
1. Divide the class into groups of 6 to 8 members.

Unit 3. Energy in the Home Lesson Plan 3.9 Series and Parallel Connections 3 - 30
 2. Distribute to them the activity sheet and the materials.
3. Remind them how measuring instruments like the ammeter and voltmeter are
properly connected in the circuit.
4. Inform them that after the activity is done, they are to discuss the results with
their classmates.
5. Since the activity is quite long, give them until next meeting to finish. Tell
them that they should at least be able to gather the data for today.

Unit 3. Energy in the Home Lesson Plan 3.9 Series and Parallel Connections 3 - 31
 Activity 3.9
Series and Parallel Circuit

Purpose
At the end of the activity, you should be able to:
measure the current and the voltage at any point in series and parallel circuits;
relate the current at any point to the current at any other point in series and
parallel circuits;
relate the voltage at any point to the voltage at any other point in series and
parallel circuits; and
compare the current and voltage at any point between a series and parallel
circuit having the same load, connected to the same source and having the
same resistances.

Materials
2– 1.5 V flashlight bulbs
2- bulb holders or sockets
12 -connecting wires
4-dry cell holders
4- fresh 1.5 V dry cells (size D)
masking tape

Procedure
A. Series Circuit
1. Set up the circuit with 2 bulbs and 2 dry cells in series as shown in Figure 3.9.1.1.
2. Connect the ammeter at positions 1, 2 and 3. as in Figure 3.9.1.1a each time taking the
current reading. Record the measured values in Data table 3.9.1.1. Disconnect the
circuit.
3. Set up the circuit with the voltmeter connected as in Figure 3.9.1.1b. Record the reading
in the data table. Disconnect the circuit after taking the reading.

bulb 1 bulb 2 1
bulb 1 bulb 2

1 2 3
3

Unit 3. Energy in the Home Lesson Plan 3.9 Series and Parallel Connections 3 - 32
Figure 3.9.1.1a Figure 3.9.1.1b
 Data table 3.9.1.1
Position 1 Position 2 Position 3
Current reading (A)
Voltage reading (V)

B. Parallel Connection
4. Set up the circuit with two bulbs and 2 dry cells as shown in Figure 3.9.1.2..
5. Connect the ammeters at positions 1, 2 and 3 as in Figure 3.9.1.2a each time taking the
current reading.
6. Next, connect the voltmeter as shown in Figure 3.9.1.2b first at position 1, then at 2 and
then at 3. Record the measured values in Table 3.9.1.2. Disconnect the circuit.
.
Data table 3.9.1.2
Position 1 Position 2 Position 3
Current reading (A)
Voltage reading (V)

bulb 2 3
bulb 2

3
bulb 1 2
2 bulb 1

1
Figure 3.9.1.2a Figure 3.9.1.2b

Guide Questions
Series Circuit
1. How does the current reading at positions 1, 2 and 3 compare?
2. How does the voltage readings at positions 1, 2 and 3 compare? What does this tell
you?
Parallel Circuit
3. How does the current reading at positions 1, 2 and 3 compare?
4. How does the voltage readings at positions 1, 2 and 3 compare? What does this tell
you?

Unit 3. Energy in the Home Lesson Plan 3.9 Series and Parallel Connections 3 - 33