SHS1 Physics · Semester 2 Week 5: Electrostatics

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: 1.3.1.LI.3 - Explain how charge carriers in conductors, semiconductors and insulators behave.

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

Explain that electrons are the mobile charge carriers in materials and describe how freely (or not) they move in conductors, semiconductors and insulators.
Describe the behaviour of electrons in a conductor, such as copper or aluminium, when a potential difference is applied.
Explain why semiconductors like silicon have fewer free electrons than conductors but more than insulators, and that their conductivity can be increased by heating or by adding impurities.
State that in insulators, electrons are tightly bound to atoms and cannot flow easily, which makes these materials poor conductors of electricity.
Categorise everyday materials as conductors, semiconductors or insulators and justify each categorisation based on the behaviour of their charge carriers.

These objectives target Depth of Knowledge Levels 1 and 2, requiring learners to recall key facts and demonstrate conceptual understanding through explanation and categorisation.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Electric Field, Magnetic Field and Electronics (Strand 3)
Sub-strand: Electrostatics (3.1)
Content standard: 1.3.1.CS.1 - Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the differences between conductors, semiconductor and insulators. 1.3.1.LO.1 Distinguish between conductors, insulators and semiconductors based on the behaviour of electrons as charge carriers.
Indicator: 1.3.1.LI.3 - Explain how charge carriers in conductors, semiconductors and insulators behave.
Suggested placement: Semester 2, Week 5 (Week 25 of the year)
Our suggestion, laid out in curriculum order across three terms of twelve weeks. NaCCA does not fix the week, so follow your school's scheme of learning.
Curriculum reference: NaCCA curriculum document, p. 61

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

Problem-based learning:
- Learners bring random items to class. They identify and categorise items into conductors, semiconductors and insulators.
- They discuss the differences between these materials based on the flow of electrons.
Learners appreciate that teamwork is key in exhibiting a material's characteristics. Provide equitable access to resources and opportunities.
Assessment (1.3.1.AS.3). The document marks these depth-of-knowledge levels for this indicator: Level 1 Recall; Level 2 Skills of conceptual understanding.
Teaching and Learning Resources:
- Gold leaf electroscope,
- Combs
- Shreds of paper
- Glass rods
- Videos
- Interactive virtual laboratory.