Lesson 1: Foundations of DC Circuits
Duration of Days: 5
Lesson Objective
SWBAT: Calculate unknown electrical values using Ohm’s Law (V=IR) with 100% accuracy. Construct and measure a basic series and parallel circuit using breadboards and multimeters.
Why does a loose connection (high resistance) cause heat and potential fire in a vehicle?
How does a parallel circuit ensure that if one instrument fails, the rest of the vehicle stays powered?
Voltage (Volts), Current (Amps), Resistance (Ohms), Ohm’s Law, Multimeter, Continuity, Series Circuit, Parallel Circuit, Load.
CT-CTE.TRANS.E.21: Demonstrate the use of meters to check continuity, resistance, voltage, and amperage.
CCSS.Math.Content.HSA.CED.A.4: Rearrange formulas to highlight a quantity of interest (Ohm's Law)
DOK Level: 2 (Skill/Concept)
Students transition from basic electrical theory to practical circuit construction. The purpose is to understand the relationship between Voltage, Current, and Resistance (V, I, R) to ensure the vehicle's low-voltage systems (instrumentation) function correctly
Misconception: "Voltage is what kills you."
Correction: Explain that Amperage (current flow) is the dangerous element, while Voltage is the "pressure" pushing it.
Support: Provide a "Magic Circle" Ohm’s Law graphic organizer for solving equations.
Extension: Students calculate "Voltage Drop" across a long wire run to determine the correct wire gauge.
The Breadboard Challenge: Students must build a circuit that matches a provided schematic and prove its values using a multimeter.