IGCSE Physics: Core Practical — IV Characteristics | Edexcel Modular | Unit 2 | L4

IGCSE Physics: Core Practical — IV Characteristics | Edexcel Modular | Unit 2 | L4

This lesson covers spec point 2.9 — investigating how current varies with
voltage for a fixed resistor, a filament lamp and a diode.

PowerPoint includes:
• Retrieval starter reviewing V = IR and circuit components from L3
• Direct Instruction (I Do) — IV graph shapes for resistor, lamp and diode
explained and annotated; method modelled step by step; ammeter in series and
voltmeter in parallel confirmed; reversing connections explained; safety
precautions noted
• Guided Practice (We Do) — identify the component from its IV graph shape;
explain what the shape tells you about resistance; describe how the
investigation should be carried out
• Independent Practice (You Do) — students conduct the investigation, collect
results for all three components, plot IV graphs and write conclusions
• Review and Reflect — evaluation questions on accuracy, anomalies and
improvements

Practical Sheet includes:
• Variables identification table (independent, dependent, control)
• Circuit diagram drawing box
• Step-by-step method box (student-completed)
• Results tables for all three components
• Three pre-scaled graph grids (resistor, lamp, diode) with axes labelled
• Conclusion section with guided prompts per component
• Evaluation questions on sources of error and improvements
• Full mark scheme for teacher use