Lesson Plan

Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Physics
Lesson Topic: sketch the I–V characteristics of a metallic conductor at constant temperature, a semiconductor diode and a filament lamp
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the shape of I–V curves for a metallic conductor, a semiconductor diode, and a filament lamp.
  • Explain how temperature affects resistance in each device.
  • Sketch accurate I–V characteristics for each device, labeling slope, knee voltage, and curvature.
  • Apply Ohm’s law and the diode equation to interpret the curves.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Slide deck showing I–V diagrams
  • Graph paper and rulers for each student
  • Calculator
  • Worksheet with sketch prompts
  • Sample diode and filament lamp for demonstration (optional)
Introduction:
Begin with a quick demonstration of a simple circuit lighting a bulb, asking students what they expect the voltage‑current relationship to look like. Recall Ohm’s law and how resistance can change with temperature. Explain that by the end of the lesson they will be able to sketch and interpret the I–V curves for three common devices.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5’) – Students plot a straight line on graph paper for a resistor using V=IR and discuss linearity.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10’) – Review temperature coefficients and introduce the diode exponential law with slides.
  3. Guided practice (12’) – Teacher models sketching the metallic conductor, diode, and filament lamp on the board, highlighting key features.
  4. Collaborative activity (15’) – In pairs, students complete a worksheet to sketch all three I–V curves and then compare results.
  5. Quick check (5’) – Use clicker or hand‑raise questions to assess understanding of each curve’s shape.
  6. Summary discussion (8’) – Highlight common misconceptions and link curves to real‑world applications.
Conclusion:
Summarise the distinguishing features of each I–V curve and how temperature influences them. Ask students to write one key takeaway on an exit ticket. For homework, assign a problem set requiring calculation of resistance at different temperatures and sketching the corresponding curves.