Basic Electricity: Meaning of Conductors and Non-Conductors, Components of Electric Circuits, How Electricity Travels and Uses of Electricity Primary 5 (Basic 5) Third Term Week 5 Basic Science and Technology

BASIC ELECTRICITY: MEANING OF CONDUCTORS AND NON-CONDUCTORS, COMPONENTS OF ELECTRIC CIRCUITS, HOW ELECTRICITY TRAVELS AND USES OF ELECTRICITY PRIMARY 5 (BASIC 5) THIRD TERM WEEK 5 BASIC SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

BASIC SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THIRD TERM

WEEK 5

PRIMARY 5 (BASIC 5) 

THEME – YOU AND ENERGY 

PREVIOUS LESSON – Basic Electricity: Meaning and Types of Electricity, Methods of Generating Electricity and Importance of Electricity in Everyday Life Primary 5 (Basic 5) Third Term Week 4 Basic Science And Technology

TOPIC – BASIC ELECTRICITY II 

LEARNING AREA

1. Introduction

2. Meaning of Conductors and Non-Conductors

3. Components of Electric Circuits

4. How Electricity Travels and Uses of Electricity

5. Weekly Assessment: Test Questions and Answers

6. Summary

LEARNING OBJECTIVES 

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

1. Define conductors and non-conductors.

2. Identify examples of conductors and non-conductors.

3. Mention the components of an electric circuit.

4. Explain how electricity travels from one point to another.

5. State the uses of electricity in everyday life.

ENTRY BEHAVIOUR

Pupils have previously learned about the meaning of electricity, types of electricity, methods of generating electricity, and the importance of electricity in everyday life.

This lesson builds on that knowledge by helping pupils understand the materials through which electricity can travel (conductors), materials that do not allow electricity to pass through them (non-conductors), the components of an electric circuit, and how electricity moves from one point to another to power electrical devices.

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

The teacher will teach the lesson with the aid of:

1. Dry cell battery

2. Bulb

3. Connecting wires

4. Switch

5. Torchlight

6. Metal spoon

7. Plastic ruler

8. Charts showing electric circuits

METHOD OF TEACHING

Choose a suitable and appropriate methods for the lessons.

Note – Irrespective of choosing methods of teaching, always introduce an activities that will arouse pupil’s interest or lead them to the lessons. 

REFERENCE MATERIALS

1. Scheme of Work

2. 9 – Years Basic Education Curriculum

3. Course Book

4. All Relevant Material

5. Online Information

CONTENT OF THE LESSON

INTRODUCTION

Electricity is useful because it helps many devices and machines to work. However, for electricity to move from one place to another, it must pass through certain materials. Some materials allow electricity to pass through them easily, while others do not.

Electricity also needs a complete path called an electric circuit before it can power devices such as bulbs, radios, fans, and televisions. Understanding how electricity travels and the materials that help or prevent its movement is important for the safe use of electricity.

In this lesson, pupils will learn the meaning of conductors and non-conductors, the components of an electric circuit, how electricity travels from one point to another, and the various uses of electricity in everyday life.

LESSON 1 – MEANING OF ELECTRICAL CONDUCTORS

Electrical conductors are materials that allow electricity to pass through them easily. These materials help electricity move from one point to another in an electric circuit.

Examples of Electrical Conductors:

• Copper

• Aluminium

• Iron

• Steel

• Silver

• Gold

MEANING OF ELECTRICAL NON-CONDUCTORS (INSULATORS)

Electrical non-conductors are materials that do not allow electricity to pass through them easily. They are used to protect people from electric shock and prevent electricity from escaping.

Examples of Electrical Non-Conductors:

• Plastic

• Rubber

• Wood

• Glass

• Dry cloth

• Paper

Electrical conductors allow electricity to flow through them, while electrical non-conductors do not allow electricity to flow through them. Examples of conductors include copper, aluminium, and iron, while examples of non-conductors include plastic, rubber, and wood.

LESSON 2 – MEANING OF AN ELECTRIC CIRCUITS

An electric circuit is a complete path through which electricity flows from a power source to an electrical device and back to the source. Electricity can only flow when the circuit is complete (closed).

Components of an Electric Circuit

1. Battery (Cell)

• Supplies electrical energy to the circuit.

• It is the source of electricity.

2. Connecting Wires

• Carry electricity from one component to another.

• They provide a path for the flow of electricity.

3. Bulb (Lamp)

• Uses electrical energy to produce light.

• It shows that electricity is flowing in the circuit.

4. Switch

• Controls the flow of electricity.

• It can open or close the circuit.

Simple Electric Circuit Diagram

Battery → Wires → Switch → Bulb → Battery

This forms a complete path through which electricity can travel.

An electric circuit is a complete path through which electricity flows. The main components of an electric circuit are the battery (cell), connecting wires, bulb (lamp), and switch. These components work together to allow electricity to flow and power electrical devices.

LESSON 3 – HOW ELECTRICITY TRAVELS FROM ONE POINT TO ANOTHER

Electricity travels through conductors, such as wires, in a complete electric circuit. For electricity to flow, the circuit must be closed (complete). If the circuit is open or broken, electricity will not flow.

Steps in How Electricity Travels

1. The battery (cell) supplies electrical energy.

2. Electricity flows through the connecting wires.

3. The switch controls the flow of electricity.

• When the switch is ON (closed), electricity flows.

• When the switch is OFF (open), electricity stops flowing.

4. Electricity reaches the bulb or appliance.

5. The bulb lights up or the appliance works.

6. Electricity continues through the circuit and returns to the battery.

Example

In a torchlight:

• The battery supplies electricity.

• The wires carry the electricity.

• The switch allows electricity to flow.

• The bulb lights up when electricity reaches it.

Electricity travels from a power source through wires in a complete circuit. It passes through electrical components such as switches and bulbs before returning to the source. A complete circuit is necessary for electricity to flow and make electrical devices work.

USES OF ELECTRICITY IN EVERYDAY LIFE

Electricity plays an important role in our daily activities. It makes life easier, faster, and more comfortable:

1. It provides light – Electricity is used to light homes, schools, offices, and streets.

2. It powers electrical appliances – It operates fans, televisions, refrigerators, radios, and computers.

3. It supports communication – Electricity helps in charging phones and operating communication devices.

4. It assists learning – It powers computers, projectors, and other learning equipment.

5. It supports healthcare – Hospitals use electricity to power medical equipment and machines.

6. It provides entertainment – Electricity is used for televisions, music systems, and video games.

7. It supports industries – Factories use electricity to operate machines and produce goods.

8. It helps in cooking and heating – Electric cookers, kettles, and ovens depend on electricity.

9. It preserves food – Refrigerators and freezers use electricity to keep food fresh.

10. It makes work easier – Electricity powers machines and tools that reduce human effort.

Electricity is very important in everyday life because it provides light, powers appliances, supports communication, improves learning, assists healthcare, preserves food, and makes work easier. It is one of the most useful forms of energy in modern society.

WEEKLY ASSESSMENTN: TEST QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS/ASSIGNMENT

A. Objective Questions (Choose the Correct Answer)

1. A material that allows electricity to pass through it is called a ______.

A. Non-conductor

B. Conductor

C. Insulator

D. Plastic

2. Which of the following is a conductor?

A. Rubber

B. Plastic

C. Copper

D. Wood

3. Which of the following is a non-conductor?

A. Iron

B. Aluminium

C. Copper

D. Glass

4. The source of electricity in a simple circuit is the ______.

A. Battery

B. Wire

C. Bulb

D. Switch

B. Fill in the Blanks

5. Electricity travels through ______ in a circuit.

6. A complete path through which electricity flows is called an electric ______.

7. Plastic is an example of a ______.

8. A ______ controls the flow of electricity in a circuit.

C. True or False

9. Copper is a conductor of electricity. ______

10. Rubber allows electricity to pass through it easily. ______

11. Electricity can flow in an incomplete circuit. ______

12. A bulb is a component of an electric circuit. ______

D. Short Answer Questions

14. What is a conductor?

15. What is a non-conductor?

16. Mention two components of an electric circuit.

17. Explain briefly how electricity travels in a circuit.

E. Matching: Match Column A with Column B.

Column A – Column B

17. Copper – A. Controls electricity

18. Plastic – B. Conductor

19. Switch – C. Non-conductor

20. Battery – D. Source of electricity

ANSWER KEYS

1. B

2. C

3. D

4. A

5. wires

6. circuit

7. non-conductor (insulator)

8. switch

9. True

10. False

11. False

12. True

13. A conductor is a material that allows electricity to pass through it.

14. A non-conductor is a material that does not allow electricity to pass through it.

15. Battery, wire, bulb, switch (any two).

16. Electricity travels from the battery through wires in a complete circuit and returns to the battery.

17. B

18. C

19. A

19. D

SUMMARY

In this lesson, pupils learned that electrical conductors are materials that allow electricity to pass through them, while electrical non-conductors (insulators) are materials that do not allow electricity to pass through them.

Examples of conductors include:

• Copper

• Aluminium

• Iron

• Steel

Examples of non-conductors include:

• Plastic

• Rubber

• Wood

• Glass

Pupils also learned that an electric circuit is a complete path through which electricity flows. The main components of an electric circuit are:

• Battery (cell)

• Connecting wires

• Bulb (lamp)

• Switch

They further learned that electricity travels through conductors in a complete circuit from the power source to electrical devices and back to the source.

Finally, pupils learned the uses of electricity, which include: Lighting homes and streets Operating electrical appliances, Charging devices, etc. Electricity is an important form of energy that helps people perform many daily activities safely and efficiently.

PRESENTATION

1. The teacher displays different materials such as copper wire, iron nail, plastic ruler, rubber, wood, battery, bulb, switch, and connecting wires.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils observe, identify, and name the materials.

2. The teacher explains the meaning of conductors and non-conductors.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils listen and mention examples of conductors and non-conductors.

3. The teacher guides pupils to classify the displayed materials into conductors and non-conductors.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils sort the materials into the correct groups.

4. The teacher explains the meaning of an electric circuit and identifies its components.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils identify the battery, wires, bulb, and switch.

5. The teacher demonstrates a simple electric circuit using a battery, bulb, switch, and connecting wires.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils observe how the bulb lights up when the circuit is complete.

6. The teacher explains how electricity travels through a complete circuit.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils describe the path taken by electricity in the circuit.

7. The teacher discusses the uses of electricity in homes, schools, hospitals, and industries.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils mention various uses of electricity in their environment.

8. The teacher asks oral questions based on the lesson.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils respond to the questions and participate actively.

9. The teacher summarizes the lesson and emphasizes safety when using electricity.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils take notes and ask questions where necessary.

10. The teacher gives classwork and provides corrections.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils complete the exercises and correct mistakes.

CONCLUSION

To conclude the lesson for the week, the teacher revises the entire lesson and links it to the following week’s lesson.

NEXT LESSON

Magnetism: Meaning and Properties of Magnets, Magnetic and Non-Magnetic Materials, Uses and Applications of Magnets, and Making Magnets Primary 5 (Basic 5) Third Term Week 6 Basic Science and Technology

LESSON EVALUATION 

Teacher asks pupils,

1. What is a conductor?

2. What is a non-conductor (insulator)?

3. Mention three examples of conductors.

4. Mention three examples of non-conductors.

5. What is an electric circuit?

6. List the four main components of an electric circuit.

7. Which component supplies electricity in a circuit?

8. Explain briefly how electricity travels in a circuit.

9. Mention four uses of electricity.

10. Why is a complete circuit necessary for electricity to flow?