Lesson Plan

• Describe electric current as the rate of charge flow and state its unit (ampere).
• Explain how different media (metals, semiconductors, electrolytes, plasmas) use distinct charge carriers.
• Distinguish between conventional current direction and actual electron flow.
• Calculate current from given charge and time and apply the concept to simple problems.

• Projector and screen
• Printed diagram of charge‑carrier flow in a wire and electrolyte
• Worksheet with practice questions
• Scientific calculators
• Simple circuit kit (battery, copper wire, ammeter)
• Computer with PhET “Circuit Construction Kit” simulation

Begin by asking students what they think actually moves when a light switch is turned on. Review the previous lesson on voltage and resistance to activate prior knowledge. Explain that today they will discover that electric current is the flow of specific charge carriers, and they will be able to calculate it and explain its direction.

1. Do‑Now (5'): Think‑pair‑share examples of current in daily life; record one example.
2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Define current, introduce I = ΔQ/Δt, discuss units, and show diagram of charge carriers in different media.
3. Simulation activity (8'): Use the PhET circuit kit to visualize conventional current vs. electron flow.
4. Guided example (12'): Work through a sample calculation (5.0 × 10⁻³ C in 2 s) on the board.
5. Group problem solving (15'): Students complete worksheet problems, including the copper‑wire current estimation.
6. Concept check (5'): Exit ticket – one sentence explaining why conventional current direction opposes electron flow.

Recap that current is the flow of charge carriers, the type of carrier depends on the material, and conventional current is a useful convention for circuit analysis. Collect exit tickets to assess understanding, and assign homework to finish the worksheet and read the textbook section on Kirchhoff’s Current Law.