Intro to Circuits & Piping

btartarini

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Intro to Circuits & Piping

Students will be able to identify series circuits and basic wiring components, and describe the basic principles of brazing, swedging, and flaring in piping. This lesson aims to build foundational knowledge for future technical studies.

Understanding basic electrical and piping concepts is crucial for various trades and everyday problem-solving. This lesson provides a springboard for students interested in vocational paths and practical applications.

Audience

9th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Visual learning, guided discussion, and simplified explanations.

Materials

Intro to Circuits & Piping Slide Deck](#circuits-piping-slide-deck)

Prep

Review Materials

15 minutes

Review the Intro to Circuits & Piping Slide Deck to familiarize yourself with the content.
Ensure projector and computer are working.
Optionally, gather simple visual aids for circuits (e.g., battery, bulb, wire) or piping tools (e.g., copper pipe, flaring tool) if you plan to show physical examples.

Step 1

Introduction & Hook

5 minutes

Greet students and introduce the topic: "Today, we're going to demystify some cool stuff that makes our world work: electricity and plumbing! Ever wondered how your lights turn on or how water gets to your faucet? We'll cover the super basics."
Display the first slide of the Intro to Circuits & Piping Slide Deck.
Ask: "What comes to mind when you hear 'electricity' or 'circuits'?" (Allow a few student responses).

Step 2

Electrical Circuits Basics

10 minutes

Use slides 2-5 of the Intro to Circuits & Piping Slide Deck to explain basic circuit components and series circuits.
Explain terms like 'current,' 'voltage,' 'resistance' in simple analogies (e.g., water flow through a pipe).
Guide a brief discussion: "Why is understanding series circuits important for troubleshooting problems?"

Step 3

Piping Fundamentals

10 minutes

Transition to piping using slides 6-9 of the Intro to Circuits & Piping Slide Deck.
Explain brazing, swedging, and flaring with simple, relatable examples.
Emphasize safety (e.g., heat for brazing, proper tool use).
Ask: "Where might you see these piping techniques used in real life?"

Step 4

Q&A and Wrap-up

5 minutes

Open the floor for any questions on either topic.
Briefly summarize the key takeaways: "Today, we touched on how electricity flows in a basic series circuit and three ways to connect pipes. These are foundational skills in many hands-on careers."
Thank students for their engagement.

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Slide Deck

Intro to Circuits & Piping

Understanding the unseen connections that power our world!

Welcome students and introduce the overarching topics. Ask them what comes to mind when they hear 'electricity' or 'plumbing' to gauge prior knowledge.

What is an Electrical Circuit?

Imagine a path for electricity to flow.

Power Source: The 'pusher' (like a battery)
Conductor: The 'path' (like a wire)
Load: The 'worker' (like a light bulb)
Switch: The 'gatekeeper' (turns it on/off)

Explain what a circuit is in simple terms. Introduce basic components like power source, conductor, and load. Use a simple analogy, like a water slide or a train track.

Series Circuits: The Single Path

All components in a single line.

Electricity flows through each part, one after the other.
If one part breaks, the whole circuit breaks!
Think of old Christmas lights: one bulb out, all lights out.

Focus on series circuits. Explain that components are connected end-to-end, forming a single path. Discuss the effect of one component failing (e.g., old Christmas lights).

Basic Wiring: On or Off?

Circuits need to be complete!

Closed Circuit: A complete path, electricity flows, light turns on.
Open Circuit: A broken path, electricity stops, light stays off.
Safety First! Always respect electricity.

Briefly touch upon basic wiring concepts. Explain open vs. closed circuits. Emphasize the importance of safety when working with electricity, even conceptually.

Piping Fundamentals: Joining Pipes

Just like wires, pipes need to be connected!

Pipes carry water, gas, and other liquids.
We need strong, leak-proof ways to join them.
Today, we'll look at three cool techniques!

Transition to the piping section. Introduce the idea of connecting pipes for water or gas flow. Ask students where they've seen pipes connected.

Brazing: The Strong Heat Join

Joining metals with a super hot 'glue'!

Uses high heat to melt a filler metal (like solder).
The filler flows into the joint, making a strong bond.
Common for refrigeration lines and medical equipment.

Explain brazing. Describe it as a strong, permanent joint using heat and a filler material. Mention common applications like HVAC or refrigeration.

Swedging: Making One Pipe Fit Another

Expanding a pipe to make a connection without extra parts!

A tool is used to enlarge the end of one pipe.
This larger end then fits over another pipe of the same size.
Saves material and time!

Explain swedging. Describe it as expanding one pipe end to fit another, eliminating the need for a separate coupling. Highlight efficiency.

Flaring: The Cone Connection

Creating a funnel shape at the end of a pipe for a tight seal.

A special tool shapes the end of the pipe into a flare.
This flare fits snugly into a matching fitting, creating a seal.
Used often in automotive, plumbing, and HVAC systems.

Explain flaring. Describe it as creating a cone shape at the pipe end to seal against a fitting. Mention automotive brake lines or gas lines.

Circuits & Piping: Foundation Skills

You've taken the first step!

Understanding how things connect, whether electrical or mechanical, is key.
These skills are the building blocks for many exciting careers.
Keep exploring how the world works!

Conclude by reiterating the practical importance of these skills and encouraging further exploration. Ask if there are any final questions.