SHS1 Engineering · Semester 1 Week 16: Circuit and Machines

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: 1.2.1.LI.3 - Explain Kirchhoff’s laws.

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

State Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL) and Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL) in their own words.
Identify the algebraic signs of currents entering and leaving a node and voltage rises and drops in a loop.
Apply KCL and KVL to write equations for simple DC circuits with two loops or two nodes.
Explain the physical basis of each law using the principles of conservation of charge and conservation of energy.
Discuss, in small groups, how Kirchhoff’s laws extend the basic circuit analysis learned in earlier lessons to more complex circuits.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Energy Systems (Strand 2)
Sub-strand: Circuit and Machines (2.1)
Content standard: 1.2.1.CS.1 - Demonstrate knowledge of simple electric circuits based on first principles and through simulation tools. 1.2.1.LO.1 Identify and explain the functions of the elements of dc and ac circuits. 1.2.1.LO.2 Analyse simple dc and single-phase ac circuits.
Indicator: 1.2.1.LI.3 - Explain Kirchhoff's laws.
Suggested placement: Semester 1, Week 16 (Week 16 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. 37

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

Initiating Talk for Learning: Guide learners to search for the Kirchhoff law and share it with the whole class. Through question-and-answer sessions, learners explain Kirchhoff's current and voltage laws. Critique their contribution and add to summarise.

Assessment (1.2.1.AS.3). The document marks these depth-of-knowledge levels for this indicator: Level 3 Strategic reasoning.

Teaching and Learning Resources:
- Projector
- Laptop
- Videos on dc and ac circuit elements
- Assorted dc and ac electric circuit elements (e.g., Inductors, capacitors, resistors, switches, etc.)
- Whiteboard and marker
- Whiteboard and marker
- Simulation software (e.g., Proteus)