Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Year 11 Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Physics
Lesson Topic: sketch magnetic field patterns due to the currents in a long straight wire, a flat circular coil and a long solenoid
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the right‑hand rule and apply it to determine magnetic field direction for a straight wire, circular coil, and solenoid.
  • Calculate magnetic field magnitude using the appropriate formula for each configuration.
  • Sketch the magnetic field patterns for a long straight wire, a flat circular coil, and a long solenoid, highlighting key features.
  • Compare the field geometries and strengths of the three configurations.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard for diagrams.
  • Printed worksheet with sketching tasks.
  • Physical models of a straight wire, circular coil, and solenoid (or 3‑D replicas).
  • Rulers and compasses for accurate drawings.
  • Quick‑reference handout of right‑hand rule and formulas.
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick demonstration of a current‑carrying wire and the audible click of a compass needle deflecting, to spark curiosity about invisible magnetic fields. Review students’ prior knowledge of the right‑hand rule and Ampère’s law. Explain that by the end of the lesson they will be able to accurately sketch and compare the field patterns for three common current configurations.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5 min): Short quiz on the right‑hand rule and field direction for a straight wire.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10 min): Introduce magnetic‑field formulas and sketch conventions for the three configurations using the projector.
  3. Guided practice (12 min): In pairs, students draw the field pattern for a straight wire on a worksheet and check against a model.
  4. Interactive modelling (10 min): Demonstrate a circular coil and solenoid; students annotate pre‑drawn diagrams with field lines.
  5. Comparative analysis (8 min): Whole‑class discussion of the comparison table, identifying similarities and differences.
  6. Exit ticket (5 min): Each student writes one correct sketch and one distinguishing feature for each configuration.
Conclusion:
Summarise how the right‑hand rule unifies the direction of magnetic fields across all three devices and recall the key formulas. Collect exit tickets as a retrieval check. For homework, assign problems requiring calculation of field strength at given distances and a brief sketch of the resulting pattern.