SHS3 Physics · Semester 2 Week 16: Applications of Electronics

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: 3.3.4.LI.2 - Design a battery charger.

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

Explain the function and essential components of a battery charger (transformer, rectifier, filter, and voltage regulator/limiting resistor).
Design a simple battery charger circuit for a specified battery (e.g., 6 V or 9 V) using a transformer, diodes, capacitor, and resistor.
Calculate the output voltage and current of a designed charger using transformer turns ratio and component values.
Evaluate the suitability of a charger design for a given battery by checking voltage and current ratings against battery specifications.
Critically analyse common misconceptions about battery charging (e.g., “charging overnight always improves battery life”) and justify evidence-based conclusions.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Electric Field, Magnetic Field and Electronics (Strand 3)
Sub-strand: Applications of Electronics (3.4)
Content standard: 3.3.4.CS.3 - Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of darkness detector circuit. 3.3.4.LO.3 Using a solar panel explain how a darkness detector works.
Indicator: 3.3.4.LI.2 - Design a battery charger.
Suggested placement: Semester 2, Week 16 (Week 36 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. 195

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

Collaborative learning: Using simulations and multimedia, let learners watch a video/simulation of how a battery charger is built.
Engage learners in discussions and activities that examine prevalent myths or misconceptions surrounding race, gender and disabilities in the context of physics, encouraging critical thinking and dispelling these misconceptions through evidence-based exploration.
Assessment (3.3.4.AS.2). The document marks these depth-of-knowledge levels for this indicator: Level 4 Extended critical thinking and reasoning.
Teaching and Learning Resources:
- Audio-visuals
- Internet
- Projectors
- YouTube
- Reference books
- Flash cards
- Field trips or visits