Direct Current · SHS3 Physics

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: 3.3.1.LI.1 - State Kirchhoff’s laws of electrical network.

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 nodes, branches, and loops in a given electrical circuit diagram.
Apply Kirchhoff’s Current Law to write the current equation at a junction in a simple circuit.
Apply Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law to write the voltage equation around a closed loop in a simple circuit.
Solve basic circuit problems (with two loops or two junctions) using Kirchhoff’s laws.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Electric Field, Magnetic Field and Electronics (Strand 3)
Sub-strand: Direct Current (3.1)
Content standard: 3.3.1.CS.3 - Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Kirchhoff's laws of electrical network. 3.3.1.LO.3 Explain the Kirchhoff's laws and applications.
Indicator: 3.3.1.LI.1 - State Kirchhoff's laws of electrical network.
Suggested placement: Semester 2, Week 1 (Week 21 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. 175

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

Talk for learning: Describe and apply Kirchhoff's voltage and current laws and solve appropriate problems.
Recognise diverse talents and perspectives.
Assessment (3.3.1.AS.1). The document marks these depth-of-knowledge levels for this indicator: Level 1 Recall; Level 3 Strategic reasoning; Level 4 Extended critical thinking and reasoning.
Teaching and Learning Resources:
- Audio-visuals
- Internet
- Projectors
- YouTube
- Interactive laboratory
- Connecting virtual wires
- Ammeter
- Galvanometer
- Voltmeter
- Resistance
- Rheostats
- Standard box resistors