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PRIMARY 5: BASIC SCIENCE – THIRD TERM | WEEK 9

Updated June 1, 2026Basic Science, Primary 5, Third Term

TOPIC: BASIC ELECTRICITY II – ELECTRIC CIRCUITS AND CONDUCTORS

A: TEACHING AND LEARNING MATERIALS

  1. Dry cells.
  2. Small bulbs.
  3. Connecting wires.
  4. Simple switches.
  5. Metal and plastic objects.
  6. Circuit diagram chart.
  7. Pupils’ notebooks and pencils.

B: REFERENCE MATERIALS

  1. Scheme of work.
  2. Recommended Basic Science textbook for Primary 5.
  3. Online educational resources.

C: PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE

The pupils have learnt the meaning, forms, sources and uses of electricity and know that batteries can provide electrical energy.

D: PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES

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

  1. Explain electric current.
  2. Define an electric circuit.
  3. Identify the components of a simple electric circuit.
  4. Construct a simple circuit under supervision.
  5. Define electrical conductors.
  6. Define electrical insulators.
  7. Give examples of conductors and insulators.

E: CONTENT

Meaning of Electric Current

Electric current is the flow of electric charge through a conductor.

Meaning of an Electric Circuit

An electric circuit is a complete path through which electric current flows. A simple circuit may contain:

  • Cell or battery.
  • Connecting wires.
  • Bulb.
  • Switch.

🔋 ➝ wire ➝ 💡 ➝ wire ➝ battery

Closed Circuit

A closed circuit has a complete path. Current can flow and the bulb may light.

Open Circuit

An open circuit has a break in the path. Current cannot flow, so the bulb does not light.

Electrical Conductors

Conductors are materials that allow electric current to pass through them easily. Examples include:

  • Copper.
  • Iron.
  • Aluminium.
  • Other metals.

Electrical Insulators

Insulators are materials that do not allow electric current to pass through them easily. Examples include:

  • Rubber.
  • Plastic.
  • Dry wood.
  • Glass.

Importance of Insulators

Insulators help protect people from electric shock. Electrical wires are often covered with plastic or rubber.

F: LESSON PRESENTATION

F1: Teachers’ Activities

  1. Revises sources of electricity.
  2. Explains electric current.
  3. Introduces a simple circuit.
  4. Identifies the battery, wires, switch and bulb.
  5. Demonstrates a simple low-voltage circuit.
  6. Tests simple conductors and insulators safely.
  7. Explains why wires are covered with plastic.

F2: Pupils’ Activities

  1. Identify circuit components.
  2. Observe a simple circuit.
  3. Distinguish between open and closed circuits.
  4. Identify conductors.
  5. Identify insulators.
  6. Participate in a supervised circuit activity.

G: CONCLUSION

The teacher revises electric circuits, conductors and insulators. Pupils are reminded that classroom electrical experiments should use safe low-voltage cells and must be carried out under supervision.

H: EVALUATION GUIDE

Pupils should be able to answer the following questions:

  1. What is electric current?
  2. What is an electric circuit?
  3. Mention four parts of a simple circuit.
  4. What is a closed circuit?
  5. What is a conductor?
  6. Give three examples of conductors.
  7. Give three examples of insulators.
  8. Why are electrical wires covered with plastic?