STARTER 3 MIN

Streetlights seem to be
connected in series, but
when one in the middle
is broken, the others
after it continue to glow.

What explanation can be

given to this?

Do you think another

kind of circuit is used to
connect streetlights?
 Expectation

The broken lamp does

not block current from
flowing to the lamps after
it

Yes: Parallel circuits

Theme: Electricity and Magnetism

Topic: Electricity

Lesson 6.3
Parallel Circuits
Page 300 - 307
 Key
Vocabulary ❖Parallel Circuit

❖Branches

❖Same potential difference

❖Different current
 Resources

Workbook:

For More Information

• Parallel circuits

• Current_Electricity

• Series and Parallel

circuits
 Link to Real Life:
• Parallel circuits are the standard circuits found in
• Home electrical wiring
• Car headlights,
• Wiring of speaker systems in professional venues,
• Streetlamps,
• House lighting,
• Some motors,
• Computer address and data busses,
• Alarm systems,
• Modern christmas lights and so on.
Key Notes: Notebook (4min)
In parallel circuits

✔ Current flows through more than one path called branches

✔ The current is different in different parts of a parallel circuit

✔ The potential difference is the same across all branches

amount of energy transferred between two points in a circuit

✔ Resistance (R) decreases when components are added to a

parallel circuit.
 Activity 2: Pair Work 5m
Differentiating series and parallel circuits in

Instructions:
In pairs, use your devices or key
notes to outline differences
between series and parallel circuits
 Assessment of Previous Learning 5min
Use your key notes for the 2. Calculate the total potential across
previous lesson to answer the the battery
questions about the following
circuits

1. What is the amount of

current flowing through
lamp 1 and 2? 3. Calculate the total resistance in the
circuit
 Activity 2: Expectations
Circuit Series Parallel
Connection End-to-end (in a line) In branches
Current flow Through a single path Through more than one path

Current The same current flows Current is different in different branches

through all components Total current= Sum of current through all
components

Potential PD is different across The same current flows through all

Difference (PD) different components components

Total PD= Sum of PD

across individual
components
Resistance Increases when Decreases when components are added
components are added
 Plenary 3mi
n
Parallel circuits are most widely used in
real life compared to series circuits

Explain two advantages parallel circuits

have over series circuits
 Plenary: Expectations
Advantages of Parallel Circuits

Components in a parallel circuit can be If a component in one branch of a parallel circuit

switched on and off independently stops working, the other branches are not affected
 Expectations

1. The current through electrical components connected in

series is the same. Answer = 2A (A=Amperes)

1. The total voltage across a battery (generated) in a series

circuit is shared between the electrical components in
the circuit. Answer= 3V + 3V = 6 V (V=Volts)

1. When a component is added in series, the resistance

increases. Answer: Total resistance = 4Ώ + 5Ώ = 9Ώ
Ώ(Ohms)
Productive Task: Paired Work
In a science competition, 8th grade students of ARPS are
tasked to design a parallel circuit for a mini-street lighting
system using a 9V battery, 3 lamps, and a switch, to
investigate the potential difference across and current
flowing through lamps.

Instructions:
In pairs, design a parallel circuit made of a 9 V
battery, 3 lamps, and a switch, using the
simulation link below

Circuit construction
 5m
Activity 1: Pair Work in
Connecting components in parallel

Instructions:
1. Design a parallel circuit connecting 2 lamps, a 2 cell
battery, and a closed switch.

1. Explain how the current and potential difference in a

parallel circuit can be determined (use your devices and
textbook)
Activity 1: Expectations
Total current flowing
through a parallel circuit
= Sum of current through
all electrical components
connected in parallel

Potential difference is
the same across all
components connected in
parallel
Productive Task: Paired Work
In a science competition, 8th grade students of ARPS are
tasked to design a parallel circuit for a mini-street lighting
system using a 9V battery, 3 lamps, and a switch, to
investigate the potential difference across and current
flowing through lamps.

Instructions:
In pairs, design a series circuit made of a 9 V
battery, 3 lamps, and a switch, using the
simulation link below

Circuit construction
Productive Task: Expectations
Concept Map
Branched
connection

Decrease
Paralle Same PD
resistance
l
Circuit
s

Adding
Different
componen
current
t
 We are able to:

❖Draw circuit diagrams for

parallel circuits

❖Explain how PD and current

change when more components
are added to a parallel circuit

❖Contrast between series and

parallel circuits