Lesson Plan Teknis | Electricity: Electric Charge

Objective

Duration: 10 - 15 minutes

This stage aims to build a strong foundation in the basic concepts of electric charge, which are essential for understanding various electrical phenomena and their real-world applications. Developing these practical skills is vital to prepare students for challenges in the workforce, where electricity is crucial in different industries and technologies.

Objective Utama:

1. Understand the concept of electric charge.

2. Realise that electric charge comes in both negative and positive forms, although the negative charge is the one that actually moves in conductors.

3. Calculate the charge of an object by using the electric charge of an electron.

Objective Sampingan:

1. Discuss practical applications of electric charge in everyday electronic devices.
2. Debate the significance of electricity in the contemporary job market.

Introduction

Duration: 10 - 15 minutes

This initial phase is designed to set a robust foundation by introducing the basic concepts of electric charge, which are fundamental for understanding electrical phenomena and their practical uses. This practical knowledge is especially important for facing real-world challenges in the industry.

Curiosities and Market Connection

 Curiosity: Did you know that the electric charge needed to operate our electronic devices is measured in coulombs, and that one electron carries about -1.6 x 10^-19 coulombs? This implies around 6.25 x 10^18 electrons make up 1 coulomb of charge.  Market Connection: Professionals with a sound understanding of electricity are highly sought after in fields like electrical engineering, telecommunications, industrial automation and even in the maintenance of medical equipment. For example, electrical engineers design circuits for consumer electronics and power distribution systems, while electronics technicians are essential in repairing and maintaining sophisticated electronic equipment.

Contextualization

Electricity forms an integral part of modern life in India. From lighting up our homes to powering gadgets that we use every day, electric charge is key. Understanding what electric charge is and how it behaves is fundamental to comprehending many everyday phenomena as well as for working in several technological and industrial fields across our country.

Initial Activity

 Initial Activity: Begin with a short video (2-3 minutes) that demonstrates a simple charging experiment – for example, rubbing a balloon on a piece of wool and then observing how it attracts small bits of paper. Follow up with the question: 'Why does the balloon attract those bits of paper after being rubbed?' Encourage the students to share their thoughts and discuss briefly.

Development

Duration: 50 - 60 minutes

This phase is about reinforcing the theoretical knowledge on electric charge through practical activities and reflective discussions. By constructing a simple electroscope and solving related problems, students develop the skills and deeper understanding necessary to meet practical challenges in various fields.

Topics

1. Definition of electric charge

2. Properties of electric charge

3. Types of electric charges (positive and negative)

4. Transfer of electric charge

5. Calculation of the charge of an object based on the charge of an electron

Thoughts on the Subject

Encourage students to reflect on why it is important to understand electric charge, not only as a theoretical concept but also in terms of real-life applications and job opportunities. Emphasise how this knowledge finds use in various industries, and how a deeper understanding can drive technological innovations within our local context.

Mini Challenge

Building a Simple Electroscope

In this hands-on activity, students will create a simple electroscope using everyday materials. The aim is to visualise the transfer of electric charge and observe how electrification works in practice.

1. Divide the class into groups of 4-5 students.

2. Provide each group with these materials: a glass jar with a lid, a piece of aluminum foil, a copper rod (or any other conductive metal), a thin copper wire, tape, and scissors.

3. Follow these steps for building the electroscope:

4. Make a small hole in the jar’s lid to allow the copper rod to pass through.

5. Cut two thin strips of aluminum foil and fold them neatly in half.

6. Attach these foil strips to the lower end of the copper rod so that they hang freely.

7. Insert the copper rod through the lid, ensuring the aluminum foil is inside the jar.

8. Secure the jar with the lid.

9. Rub a plastic item (like a ruler) on a piece of wool to give it an electric charge.

10. Bring the charged object near the top end of the copper rod and observe the movement of the aluminum foil strips.

11. Ask the groups to record their observations and discuss why the changes occur.

12. Finally, lead a group discussion on the underlying principles of induction and the transfer of electric charge demonstrated in the experiment.

To illustrate the transfer of electric charge and the resulting effects of electrification, thereby providing a practical grasp of the theoretical concepts discussed in class.

**Duration: 30 - 35 minutes

Evaluation Exercises

1. Calculate the electric charge in an object that contains 3 x 10^19 electrons.

2. Explain why, in the process of electrification, it is the negative charge that moves.

3. Describe another practical scenario (apart from the electroscope) where the transfer of electric charge can be observed.

4. Discuss the relevance of electric charge in everyday electronic devices, citing examples of its applications in electrical engineering.

Conclusion

Duration: 15 - 20 minutes

The goal at this closing stage is to consolidate learning. Through reflection, group discussions, and a recap of important points, students are better equipped to understand both the theoretical and practical aspects of electric charge. This understanding also underpins its value in professional and everyday contexts.

Discussion

Encourage a discussion among students on the importance of electric charge. Ask them to reflect on how theoretical ideas were applied in practice during the electroscope activity. Invite them to consider how understanding electric charge is useful in real-life scenarios and in career prospects, encouraging them to share their personal insights.

Summary

Summarise the key points covered in the lesson: the definition of electric charge, its properties, how it transfers, and how to calculate the charge of an object using the charge of an electron. Stress that the negative charge is the one that moves during these processes, as observed in the experiments.

Closing

Close by explaining how the lesson successfully merged theory with practical demonstration through the electroscope project. Highlight the significance of understanding electric charge not only for daily life but also for its various applications in different industries. Reinforce how this knowledge can help in solving real-world problems and promoting technological advancements.