Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Physics
Lesson Topic: State that conventional current is from positive to negative and that the flow of free electrons is from negative to positive
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the direction of conventional current and the opposite direction of electron flow in a metallic conductor.
  • Explain the historical reason why the conventional current direction was adopted.
  • Calculate the drift speed of electrons using the relation I = n e A vd.
  • Compare conventional current and electron flow symbols in circuit diagrams.
  • Apply the concepts to solve a typical I‑drift‑speed problem.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • PowerPoint/PDF handout showing circuit diagram with arrows
  • Simple circuit kit (battery, resistor, connecting wires, LED)
  • Worksheets containing the drift‑speed example problem
  • Scientific calculators
 Introduction:

Begin with a quick question: “If you connect a battery to a lamp, which way does the electricity travel?” Students share ideas, activating prior knowledge of circuits. Clarify that today’s success criteria are to state both conventional current direction and electron flow direction, and to use the drift‑speed formula correctly.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5 min): Write the direction of conventional current and electron flow on a sticky note; teacher collects for quick check.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10 min): Explain the historical convention, show the diagram of a battery‑resistor circuit, and highlight opposite arrows for current and electrons.
  3. Demonstration (8 min): Build the simple circuit; use a battery and LED to illustrate conventional current flow, then discuss electron movement in the wires.
  4. Guided practice (12 min): Work through the drift‑speed example together, emphasizing each step of the calculation.
  5. Independent practice (10 min): Students complete a worksheet problem similar to the example.
  6. Check for understanding (5 min): Exit ticket – write one sentence stating why the convention remains useful and the direction of electron flow.
Conclusion:

Recap that conventional current runs from positive to negative while electrons travel opposite, and that the drift‑speed formula gives the same magnitude for current regardless of direction. Collect exit tickets as a retrieval check and assign a short homework: calculate drift speed for a different wire size and current value.