Lesson Plan
Course Title
Electronics
Session Title
Nature of Electricity
Performance Objective
Upon completion of this lesson, the student will be able to describe the Law of Charges, explain
electricity, and discus the properties of various materials associated with electricity to the
satisfaction of the teacher.
Specific Objectives
 State the law of charges and explain it using several examples
 Explain what electric current, voltage, and resistance mean
 Describe types of electron movement
 Describe electrical work
 Distinguish between conductors, insulators, and semiconductors
Preparation
TEKS Correlations
This lesson, as published, correlates to the following TEKS. Any changes/alterations to the
activities may result in the elimination of any or all of the TEKS listed.
Electronics
 130.368 (c) Knowledge and skills.
o (5) The student implements the concepts and skills that form the technical
knowledge of electronics using project-based assessments. The student
is expected to:
(C) demonstrate knowledge of the fundamentals of electronics theory.
o (6) The student applies the concepts and skills to simulated and actual work
situations. The student is expected to:
(A) measure and calculate resistance, current, voltage, and power in
series, parallel, and complex circuits; and
(B) apply electronic theory to generators, electric motors, and
transformers.
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1
Interdisciplinary Correlations
English Language Arts and Reading, English I
 110.31 (b)
o (6) Reading/Comprehension of Literary Text/Literary Nonfiction. Students
understand, make inferences and draw conclusions about the varied structural
patterns and features of literary nonfiction and provide evidence from text to
support their understanding. Students are expected to analyze how literary
essays interweave personal examples and ideas with factual information to
explain, present a perspective, or describe a situation or event.
 110.31 (b)
o (11) Reading/Comprehension of Informational Text/Procedural Texts. Students
understand how to glean and use information in procedural texts and
documents. Students are expected to:
(A) analyze the clarity of the objective(s) of procedural text (e.g., consider
reading instructions for software, warranties, consumer
publications); and
(B) analyze factual, quantitative, or technical data presented in multiple
graphical sources.

110.31 (b)
o (12) Reading/Media Literacy. Students use comprehension skills to analyze how
words, images, graphics, and sounds work together in various forms to impact
meaning. Students will continue to apply earlier standards with greater depth in
increasingly more complex texts. Students are expected to:
(A) compare and contrast how events are presented and information is
communicated by visual images (e.g., graphic art, illustrations, news
photographs) versus non-visual texts;
(B) analyze how messages in media are conveyed through visual and
sound techniques (e.g., editing, reaction shots, sequencing,
background music);
(C) compare and contrast coverage of the same event in various media
(e.g., newspapers, television, documentaries, blogs, Internet); and
(D) evaluate changes in formality and tone within the same medium for
specific audiences and purposes.
Reading I, II, III
 110.47 (b)
o (2) The student acquires an extensive vocabulary through reading and systematic
word study. The student is expected to:
(A) expand vocabulary by reading, viewing, listening, and discussing;
(B) determine word meanings through the study of their relationships to
other words and concepts such as content, synonyms, antonyms,
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and analogies;
(E) use available reference guides such as dictionary, glossary, thesaurus,
and available technology to determine or confirm the meanings of new
words and phrases.
o (3) The student reads for a variety of purposes with multiple sources, both
narrative and expository. The student is expected to:
(A) read functional texts to complete real-world tasks such as job
applications, recipes, and product assembly instructions;
(B) read to complete academic tasks;
(C) read using test-taking skills such as highlighting, annotating,
previewing questions, noticing key words, employing process of
elimination, allotting time, and following directions;
(D) read to gain content/background knowledge as well as insight about
oneself, others, or the world.
Physics

112.39 (c)
o (4) Science concepts. The student knows and applies the laws governing motion
in a variety of situations. The student is expected to:
(D) calculate the effect of forces on objects, including the law of inertia,
the relationship between force and acceleration, and the nature of force
pairs between objects.
o (5) Science concepts. The student knows the nature of forces in the physical
world. The student is expected to:
(C) describe and calculate how the magnitude of the electrical force
between two objects depends on their charges and the distance
between them;
(D) identify examples of electric and magnetic forces in everyday life; and
(E) characterize materials as conductors or insulators based on their
electrical properties.
Occupational Correlation
Reference: www.onetonline.org
Job Title
Electronics Engineering Technicians
O*Net Number
17-3023.01
Reported Job Titles
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Electronics Technician, Engineering Technician, Electronics Engineering Technician, Test
Technician, Technician, Refurbish Technician (Refurb Tech), Electrical Technician, Electronics
Test Technician, Engineering Aide, Failure Analysis Technician (FA Technician)
Tasks
 Read blueprints, wiring diagrams, schematic drawings, or engineering instructions for
assembling electronics units, applying knowledge of electronic theory and components.
 Test electronics units, using standard test equipment, and analyze results to evaluate
performance and determine need for adjustment.
 Perform preventative maintenance or calibration of equipment or systems.
 Assemble, test, or maintain circuitry or electronic components, according to engineering
instructions, technical manuals, or knowledge of electronics, using hand or power tools.
 Adjust or replace defective or improperly functioning circuitry or electronics
components, using hand tools or soldering iron.
 Write reports or record data on testing techniques, laboratory equipment, or
specifications to assist engineers.
 Identify and resolve equipment malfunctions, working with manufacturers or field
representatives as necessary to procure replacement parts.
 Maintain system logs or manuals to document testing or operation of equipment.
 Provide user applications or engineering support or recommendations for new or
existing equipment with regard to installation, upgrades, or enhancements.
 Provide customer support and education, working with users to identify needs,
determine sources of problems, or to provide information on product use.
Soft Skills
Dependability/ Cooperation/ Attention to Detail/ Initiative/ Integrity/ Adaptability/Flexibility
Instructor/Trainer
If time permits, the teacher may want to show students a 90-minute long PBS home video:
Tesla: Master of Lightning.
(Link: http://www.pbs.org/tesla/)
References
 Gerrish, H. and Dugger, W. and Roberts, R. (1999). Electricity and electronics
(INSTRUCTOR). Tinley Park, IL: Goodheart-Willcox Co.
Instructional Aids
 Nature of Electricity slide presentation and notes
 Periodic Table of the Elements (print slide 3 as a handout)
 Nature of Electricity Activity
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


Nature of Electricity Activity Key
Nature of Electricity Exam
Nature of Electricity Exam Key
Materials Needed
 Two stands with suspended pith balls
 One vulcanite rod
 One piece of fur
 One glass rod
 One piece of silk
Equipment Needed
 Overhead projector and screen
 Computer
Learner Preparation
The student should have pencil and paper.
Introduction
Introduction (LSI Quadrant I)
Ask
Do you ever wonder where electricity comes from or how it’s made?
Say
Electricity is one of those things that come from a fundamental property of nature: electrical
charge. We have to understand more about electrical charge, what it does, and how we can
use it.
Outline
Outline (LSI Quadrant II)
I.
Objectives
A. This lesson introduces several concepts that are a
foundation for much of the lessons that follow, and
many of these concepts are described in more detail
in later lessons.
B. We provide an overview of electricity, what it is,
where it comes from, and what it does.
Teacher Notes
Begin the Nature of
Electricity slide presentation.
(Slides 1-3)
Print slide 3 as a handout for
each student.
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II. Law of Charges
A. This law is properly known as Coulomb’s Law.
B. It deals with invisible forces around charged particles
and how those forces interact.
(Slides 4-5)
III. Demonstration of Coulomb’s Law
A. This demonstration shows that charge exists, charge
can be created fairly easily, and the forces that exist
because of charge.
B. Fur charges the vulcanite rod negative.
C. Silk charges the vulcanite rod positive.
D.Use those charges to demonstrate both attraction and
repulsion.
(Slides 6-8)
IV. What is Electricity?
A. Students have used electricity their entire lives, but
they may not know exactly what it is.
B. This is more of a general description than a formal
definition.
(Slide 9)
V. Important Electrical Terms
A. Introduce terms (current, voltage, and resistance).
B. Each of these terms will be defined in more detail in
later lessons.
(Slides 10-12)
VI. Types of Movement of Electrons
A. Random movement
B. Directed movement in one direction (DC)
C. Directed movement in two directions (AC)
(Slides 13-14)
VII. Electrical Work
A. Electrical work is similar to mechanical work.
B. The major concept is that electrical work is directly
related to current.
C. Electron movement creates work.
D. Electron movement is measured by current flow in
amps.
(Slide 15)
Source: Electricity and
electronics by
Gerrish/Dugger/Roberts
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VIII. Conductor, Insulator, and Semiconductor
A. These are more electrical terms students
should know.
B. A general definition and use of each is given.
C. Examples of materials that fit into each category are
given in the chart below.
Conductors
Insulators
Semiconductors
Copper
Iron
Steel
Aluminum
Silver
Tin
Damp Earth
Salt Water
Bakelite
Glass
Mica
Porcelain
Air
Dry Wood
Sand
Rubber
Selenium
Silicon
Germanium
Cuprous Oxide
Lead Sulfide
Silicon Carbide
Gallium Arsenide
Gallium Phosphide
(Slides 16-18)
Distribute the Nature of
Electricity Activity and have
students complete. Use
Nature of Electricity Activity
Key to grade activity.
D. Students will complete the Nature of Electricity
Activity.
IX. Nature of Electricity Exam
Distribute Nature of
Electricity Exam and grade
using the Nature of Electricity
Exam Key.
Application
Guided Practice (LSI Quadrant III)
1. Distribute Periodic Table of the Elements (slide 3) to each student.
2. Ask students to try to locate the following in the Periodic Table of the Elements to
determine whether they are elements or compounds. Use Nature of Electricity Activity
Key to check their verbal responses.
Conductors
Insulators
Semiconductors
Copper
Iron
Steel
Aluminum
Silver
Tin
Bakelite
Glass
Mica
Porcelain
Air
Dry Wood
Selenium
Silicon
Germanium
Cuprous Oxide
Lead Sulfide
Silicon Carbide
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Damp Earth
Salt Water
Sand
Rubber
Gallium Arsenide
Gallium Phosphide
3. Ask students to find the atomic number and the atomic weight of all of the elements in
the list above. Use the Nature of Electricity Activity Key to locate the elements and to
check their verbal responses.
Independent Practice (LSI Quadrant III)
1. Students will work in pairs to question each other on the electrical terms covered.
2. Students should independently complete the Nature of Electricity Activity.
 Use the Nature of Electricity Activity Key to check their responses.
Summary
Review (LSI Quadrants I and IV)
Question
Can anyone explain the Law of Charges?
Answer
Like charges repel each other, while unlike charges attract each other.
Question
What are Current, Voltage, and Resistance?
Answers
Current is the movement of electrons in a conductor.
Voltage is the force behind the electrons. It moves them along a conductor resulting in current.
Resistance is the quality of an electric circuit that opposes the flow of current through it.
Question
What are AC and DC?
Answers
AC is a current of electrons that moves first in one direction and then in the other.
DC is the flow of electrons in one direction.
Question
Can anyone name some materials that are conductors?
Answers
Students’ answers will vary.
Question
Can anyone name some materials that are insulators?
Answers
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Students’ answers will vary.
Question
Can anyone name some materials that are semiconductors?
Answers
Students’ answers will vary.
Evaluation
Informal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III)
 Teacher will monitor student progress during independent learning.
 Teacher can assign a grade for the students' list of conductors and insulators and
their properties.
 Teacher can assign a grade for the Nature of Electricity Activity.
Formal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III, IV)
 Nature of Electricity Exam
 Nature of Electricity Exam Key
Extension
Extension/Enrichment (LSI Quadrant IV)
 Students collect various examples of conductors and insulators to bring to “show and
tell.”
 Students will make their own list of insulators and conductors.
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Name:_________________________________Class:__________Date:___/___/___
Nature of Electricity Activity
Try to locate the following materials in the Periodic Table of the Elements to determine
whether they are elements or compounds.
 If the material is located in the Periodic Table of the Elements, put the atomic number
and the atomic weight under the element columns.
 If the material is not located in the Periodic Table of the Elements, put a check mark
under the compound column to indicate its status.
Material
Element:
Atomic Number
Element:
Atomic Weight
Compound
Copper
Iron
Steel
Aluminum
Silver
Tin
Damp Earth
Salt Water
Bakelite
Insulators
Glass
Mica
Porcelain
Air
Dry Wood
Sand
Rubber
Semiconductors Selenium
Silicon
Germanium
Cuprous Oxide
Lead Sulfide
Silicon Carbide
Gallium Arsenide
Gallium Phosphide
Conductors
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Nature of Electricity Activity Key
Try to locate the following materials in the Periodic Table of the Elements to determine
whether they are elements or compounds.
 If the material is located in the Periodic Table of the Elements, put the atomic number
and the atomic weight under the element columns.
 If the material is not located in the Periodic Table of the Elements, put a check mark
under the compound column to indicate its status.
Material
Copper
Iron
Steel
Aluminum
Silver
Tin
Damp Earth
Salt Water
Bakelite
Insulators
Glass
Mica
Porcelain
Air
Dry Wood
Sand
Rubber
Semiconductors Selenium
Silicon
Germanium
Cuprous Oxide
Lead Sulfide
Silicon Carbide
Gallium Arsenide
Gallium Phosphide
Conductors
Element:
Atomic Number
29
26
Element:
Atomic Weight
63.54
55.847
Compound

13
47
50
26.9815
107.87
118.69










34
14
32
78.96
28.086
72.59





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Name:_________________________________Class:__________Date:___/___/___
Nature of Electricity Exam
1. Like charges ____________________ each other.
2. Unlike charges __________________ each other.
3. Name three materials that are conductors.
1. _____________________________
2. _____________________________
3. _____________________________
4. Name three materials that are insulators.
1. _____________________________
2. _____________________________
3. _____________________________
5. Direct Current flows in one direction.
True
False
6. Alternating Current flows in one direction.
True
False
7. A good conductor of electricity is anything
that restricts the flow of electrons.
True
False
8. The _____________ number of an element
refers to the number of protons or electrons
that make up an atom of the element.
9. The force behind electron movement is called ___________________.
A voltage
B current
C resistance
D ohm
10. Resistance is the opposition to the flow
of electrons.
True
False
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Nature of Electricity Exam Key
1. Like charges ____repel_________ each other.
2. Unlike charges ____attract______ each other.
3. Name three materials that are conductors.
Possible answers include copper, steel, iron, silver, aluminum.
1. _____________________________
2. _____________________________
3. _____________________________
4. Name three materials that are insulators.
Possible answers include glass, mica, porcelain, air.
1. _____________________________
2. _____________________________
3. _____________________________
5. Direct Current flows in one direction.
True
False
6. Alternating Current flows in one direction.
True
False
7. A good conductor of electricity is anything
that restricts the flow of electrons.
True
False
8. The _____atomic_______ number of an element
refers to the number of protons or electrons
that make up an atom of the element.
9. The force behind electron movement is called _________.
A voltage
B current
C resistance
D ohm
10. Resistance is the opposition to the flow
of electrons.
True
False
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