Circuit and Machines · SHS1 Engineering

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: 1.2.1.LI.4 - Use Kirchhoff’s laws to find current and voltage in dc circuits.

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

State Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL) and Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law (KVL) correctly in their own words.
Apply KCL to write node equations for a simple dc circuit with one or two nodes.
Apply KVL to write loop equations for single-loop and two-loop dc circuits.
Solve a system of two simultaneous equations arising from Kirchhoff’s laws to find unknown currents and voltages in a two-loop dc circuit.
Verify their calculated current and voltage values by checking that power balances across all resistors in the circuit.

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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.4 - Use Kirchhoff's laws to find current and voltage in dc circuits.
Suggested placement: Semester 1, Week 17 (Week 17 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: Provide learners with sources to read or watch videos and share their thoughts on how to apply Kirchhoff's current and voltage laws to find the currents and voltages in simple dc circuits. The examples used should not have more than two sources. Add to learners' views for clarity,

Assessment (1.2.1.AS.4). 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)