Resources: Class presentation, PhET Slide, batteries, bulbs, alligator clips, buzzers/bells, switches and wires.
Support Handout (1): This handout provides the children with a scaffolded way to explain their predictions using tick boxes.
Core Handout (2): The handout sets out 5 different circuits: children need to predict if the circuit will work and explain why.
Stretch handout: This extension handout asks the children to draw a complete circuit and an incomplete circuit.
Enquiry Approach - Pattern-seeking
Identifying patterns and looking for relationships to make links between scientific concepts.
Enquiry Skill - Making predictions
Using prior knowledge to make informed suggestions on what may happen in a scientific enquiry.
Thinking back to the last lesson, ask the children the following questions: Can you identify these electrical components? How does electricity travel through a circuit?
Use the presentation to explain how a simple series circuit works and the difference between a complete and an incomplete circuit.
Career Film: Take a tour around Rolls-Royce Submarines' Nuclear Skills Academy to find out about Fred's job. Fred works as a Materials Engineer for Rolls-Royce Submarines.
Expert Film: This is Chris. Chris works as a Materials Engineer for Rolls-Royce Submarines. Listen to Chris as he describes electrical circuits.
Using the handout, ask the children to look at the pictures of five different circuits and predict if the component will light up or buzz, then state their reasons why. The children will then create the circuit shown in the diagram, record the results and explain why the component did or did not work and if their results are different to their predictions.
Challenge Task: Using the handout, the children should draw two circuits; one that will work and one that won’t work. Ask them to explain why the circuits will or will not work. Using the PhET slide, model a complete and an incomplete electrical circuit.
Ask the children to explain how their circuit diagrams work, or why they don't.
An electrical circuit is a system of electrical components connected by wires that allow electric current to flow between them. Understanding how electrical circuits work is important for designing and troubleshooting electronic devices. In Key Stage Two, it is important that pupils only learn about series circuits. They will learn about parallel circuits in Key Stage 3.
Series circuit: Components are connected end to end in a single loop. The same current flows through all components, because there is only one pathway. If one component is removed or breaks, the whole circuit stops working.
Parallel circuit: Components are connected on separate branches. The current splits between the branches, so each branch gets a share of the total current. If one branch is broken, current can still flow in the other branches, so the rest of the circuit works.
When designing and building an electrical circuit, it is important to select components with the appropriate specifications and to follow proper wiring and safety practices. Troubleshooting electrical circuits requires a systematic approach, including checking each component and connection to identify and fix the problem.
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