Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Physics
Lesson Topic: use the capacitance formulae for capacitors in series and in parallel
Learning Objective/s:
  • Apply series and parallel capacitance formulas to calculate equivalent capacitance.
  • Analyse charge and voltage distribution in series and parallel capacitor networks.
  • Solve multi‑step problems involving combinations of capacitors and identify common mistakes.
  • Explain how plate area, separation, and dielectric affect capacitance of a parallel‑plate capacitor.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Printed worksheet with practice problems
  • Set of laboratory capacitors (various µF values) and breadboard
  • Digital multimeter
  • Calculator or spreadsheet software
  • Formula sheet summarising series/parallel equations
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick demonstration: connect two capacitors in series and in parallel to a battery and observe the voltage across each using a multimeter. Ask students what they expect the voltage and charge distribution to be, linking to prior work on Ohm’s law and energy storage. Clarify that today’s success criteria are to correctly use the capacitance formulae for series and parallel arrangements and to avoid common misconceptions.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5') – Students complete a short recall quiz on capacitance definition and parallel‑plate formula.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10') – Review series and parallel capacitance equations, emphasising voltage vs charge behavior, using projector slides.
  3. Guided example (12') – Work through the three‑capacitor problem, prompting students to calculate equivalent capacitance for parallel then series‑then‑parallel case.
  4. Hands‑on activity (15') – In small groups, students build the circuits with capacitor kits and multimeters, measure voltages, and verify calculations.
  5. Concept check (5') – Quick exit poll (show of hands) on common mistakes listed.
  6. Independent practice (8') – Students attempt the three practice questions on the worksheet while the teacher circulates.
Conclusion:
Summarise how the series and parallel formulas simplify analysis of complex capacitor networks and revisit the key misconceptions addressed. Students complete an exit ticket stating one rule for series and one for parallel configurations. Assign homework to solve two additional mixed‑configuration problems from the textbook.