Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Physics
Lesson Topic: recall Kirchhoff’s second law and understand that it is a consequence of conservation of energy
Learning Objective/s:
  • Recall the statement of Kirchhoff’s second law and explain its link to energy conservation.
  • Apply correct sign conventions for voltage rises and drops when writing loop equations.
  • Use the loop rule to solve for unknown currents or resistances in series circuits.
  • Identify and correct common sign‑convention errors in circuit analysis.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Slide deck with circuit diagrams
  • Printed worksheet with loop‑rule problems
  • Resistors, batteries, and connecting wires for a hands‑on demo
  • Calculator or circuit‑simulation software
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick demonstration: a flashlight circuit that lights only when the loop is closed, illustrating energy conservation. Ask students to recall Kirchhoff’s second law and its connection to the conservation of energy principle. Explain that today’s success criteria are to write correct loop equations, use consistent sign conventions, and solve for unknown quantities.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Short recall quiz on Kirchhoff’s first law and energy conservation; teacher checks answers.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Present the loop rule, sign conventions, and derivation from the test‑charge argument.
  3. Guided practice (12'): Work through the series‑circuit example on the board, prompting students to identify the loop, choose direction, write the equation, and solve for current.
  4. Hands‑on activity (15'): In groups, build a simple series circuit (12 V battery + two resistors), measure the current, and verify the calculation using the loop rule.
  5. Common pitfalls discussion (5'): Review typical sign‑convention mistakes and correct deliberately flawed equations.
  6. Independent practice (8'): Students complete worksheet problems on single‑loop and two‑loop circuits while teacher circulates.
  7. Exit ticket (5'): Write the loop equation for a given circuit and state why the sum must equal zero.
Conclusion:
Summarise that Kirchhoff’s second law is a direct expression of energy conservation in closed electrical loops. Highlight how consistent sign conventions enable accurate circuit analysis. Collect exit tickets as a retrieval check and assign a homework worksheet extending the loop‑rule to circuits with mixed components.