Lesson Plan

• Describe why the current is identical at every point in a series circuit.
• Calculate the total resistance and the uniform current for a series circuit using Ohm’s law.
• Determine the voltage drop across each component in a series circuit.
• Compare series and parallel circuits in terms of current and voltage distribution.
• Identify and correct common misconceptions about current flow in series circuits.

• Projector or interactive whiteboard
• Printed worksheet with series‑circuit diagram and calculations
• Set of resistors, a 12 V battery, and connecting wires for a hands‑on demo
• Multimeter (optional) to measure current and voltage
• Calculator
• Revision checklist handout

Start with a quick demonstration of a simple series circuit lighting a bulb and ask students what they notice about the flow of electricity. Review Ohm’s law and the concept of resistance from the previous lesson. Explain that today’s success criteria are to predict, calculate, and explain why the same current flows through every component in a series circuit.

1. Do‑now (5'): short quiz on series vs. parallel characteristics.
2. Mini‑lecture (10'): explain charge continuity and why current cannot split in a series path.
3. Guided worked example (15'): step‑by‑step calculation of total resistance, current, and voltage drops for a 12 V battery with three resistors.
4. Hands‑on activity (15'): students build the same circuit, use a multimeter to verify the uniform current, and record voltage across each resistor.
5. Concept check (5'): think‑pair‑share addressing common misconceptions listed in the notes.
6. Exit ticket (5'): write one sentence explaining why the current is the same throughout a series circuit.

Recap the key idea that a series circuit has one continuous path, giving an identical current at every point while the voltage divides among components. Collect exit tickets to assess understanding and assign a homework task to complete a worksheet that compares series and parallel circuits.