Understanding conductors, non-conductors, electric circuits, and uses of electricity Basic Science Primary 5 Third Term Lesson Notes Week 5

Subject: Basic Science

Class: Primary 5

Term: Third Term

Week: 5

Topic: Exploring Basic Electricity

Sub-topic: Understanding conductors, non-conductors, electric circuits, and uses of electricity.

Duration: 45 minutes

Behavioural Objectives:

  • Students should be able to differentiate between conductors and non-conductors.
  • Students should be able to explain the concept of an electric circuit.
  • Students should be able to identify common uses of electricity in daily life.

Learning Resources and Materials:

  • Pictures or diagrams illustrating conductors and non-conductors
  • Visual aids demonstrating electric circuits
  • Examples of electrical appliances and devices
  • Whiteboard and markers

Building Background / Connection to prior knowledge:

  • Recap previous lessons on energy and the importance of electricity.
  • Discuss any experiences students may have had with electricity at home or school.

Embedded Core Skills:

  • Critical thinking
  • Communication
  • Observation

Content:

  1. Conductors and non-conductors.
  2. Electric circuits.
  3. Uses of electricity.

Presentation:

  1. Conductors and non-conductors:
    • Conductors: Materials that allow electricity to flow through easily, like metals (e.g., copper, aluminum). ⚡
    • Non-conductors: Materials that do not allow electricity to flow through, like rubber, plastic, and glass.
  2. Electric circuit:
    • A path that electricity follows, made up of wires, switches, and components like bulbs or batteries.
    • When the circuit is complete, electricity can flow and power devices.
  3. Uses of electricity:
    • Lighting our homes 💡
    • Running appliances like TVs, refrigerators, and fans 📺🧊🌀
    • Charging our phones and laptops 📱💻
    • Powering machines in factories 🏭

Evaluation :

  1. What materials allow electricity to flow easily? a) Non-conductors b) Insulators c) Conductors d) Metals
  2. Which of the following is a conductor of electricity? a) Rubber b) Plastic c) Copper d) Glass
  3. What type of material does not allow electricity to flow through? a) Conductors b) Insulators c) Metals d) Wires
  4. What is the path that electricity follows called? a) Electric switch b) Electric circuit c) Electric bulb d) Electric fan
  5. What components make up an electric circuit? a) Wires and batteries b) Metals and glass c) Switches and bulbs d) Wires, switches, and components like bulbs or batteries
  6. When is an electric circuit complete? a) When the wires are broken b) When the switches are off c) When the circuit is open d) When the circuit is closed
  7. What happens when an electric circuit is complete? a) Electricity flows and powers devices b) Electricity stops flowing c) Devices become hot d) Devices stop working
  8. Which of the following is an example of an electric appliance? a) Chair b) Table c) TV d) Book
  9. How do we use electricity in our homes? a) For cooking b) For washing clothes c) For watching TV d) All of the above
  10. What do we use to charge our phones? a) Water b) Electricity c) Air d) Food
  11. Which material is used to make wires in an electric circuit? a) Rubber b) Plastic c) Copper d) Glass
  12. What happens when we turn off a switch in an electric circuit? a) The circuit becomes complete b) Electricity flows c) The circuit becomes open d) Devices stop working
  13. What do we call materials that do not conduct electricity? a) Conductors b) Insulators c) Metals d) Wires
  14. Why is it important to complete an electric circuit? a) To conserve energy b) To prevent accidents c) To allow electricity to flow and power devices d) To save money
  15. What is one use of electricity in factories? a) Cooking food b) Powering machines c) Watering plants d) Watching movies

 

Class Activity Discussion :

  1. What are conductors and non-conductors?
    • Conductors are materials that allow electricity to flow through easily, like metals. Non-conductors, or insulators, do not allow electricity to flow.
  2. Can you give examples of conductors?
    • Metals like copper, aluminum, and iron are conductors of electricity.
  3. What materials are considered non-conductors?
    • Rubber, plastic, glass, and wood are examples of non-conductors or insulators.
  4. What is an electric circuit?
    • An electric circuit is a path made of wires and components like switches and bulbs that allows electricity to flow.
  5. How does electricity flow in an electric circuit?
    • When a circuit is complete, electricity flows from the power source, through the wires and components, and back to the power source.
  6. What happens if there is a break in the circuit?
    • Electricity cannot flow, and devices connected to the circuit will not work.
  7. Why is it important for an electric circuit to be complete?
    • A complete circuit allows electricity to flow, powering devices and appliances.
  8. What are some examples of components in an electric circuit?
    • Switches, bulbs, batteries, and wires are common components found in electric circuits.
  9. How do we use electricity in our daily lives?
    • We use electricity for lighting our homes, running appliances, charging devices, and more.
  10. Can you name one appliance that uses electricity?
    • TVs, refrigerators, fans, and computers are examples of appliances that use electricity.
  11. Where do we find electric circuits in our homes?
    • Electric circuits are found in light switches, power outlets, and electrical appliances.
  12. What happens when we turn off a light switch?
    • The circuit is broken, stopping the flow of electricity to the light bulb, and the light turns off.
  13. How do conductors help in electricity transmission?
    • Conductors like copper wires are used to transmit electricity efficiently over long distances.
  14. What is one benefit of using non-conductors in electrical devices?
    • Non-conductors prevent electricity from flowing where it shouldn’t, reducing the risk of accidents.
  15. Why is electricity important for factories?
    • Factories use electricity to power machines and equipment for manufacturing and production processes.

Step 1: Revision

Step 2: Introduction of the new topic

  • The teacher introduces the topic of basic electricity, explaining the difference between conductors and non-conductors.
  • Display pictures or diagrams of materials to illustrate conductors and non-conductors.

Step 3: Interactive session

  • The teacher facilitates a discussion on electric circuits, explaining how they work and their components.
  • Students are encouraged to share examples of conductors and non-conductors they encounter in daily life.
  • Discuss common uses of electricity in homes, schools, and factories.

Teacher’s Activities:

  • Presenting information about conductors, non-conductors, electric circuits, and uses of electricity.
  • Facilitating discussions and interactions.
  • Demonstrating examples of conductors and non-conductors.

Learners’ Activities:

  • Listening to the teacher’s explanations.
  • Participating in discussions and sharing examples.
  • Observing examples and visual aids presented by the teacher.

Assessment:

  • Observing students’ participation and engagement during the discussion.
  • Asking questions to assess understanding.

Evaluation Questions:

  1. What is a conductor?
  2. Can you give an example of a non-conductor?
  3. What is an electric circuit?
  4. How does electricity flow in a circuit?
  5. Why is it important for a circuit to be complete?
  6. Name one component of an electric circuit.
  7. What are some common uses of electricity?
  8. How does a light bulb work in an electric circuit?
  9. What happens when a circuit is broken?
  10. How do conductors help in electricity transmission?

Conclusion:

  • The teacher goes round to mark and provide corrections on students’ understanding of the topic.
  • Summarize key points discussed during the lesson and emphasize the importance of safety when dealing with electricity.