English National Curriculum - Science
Mission Objectives
Understand how a switch works
Explain how an electrical switch works
Apply knowledge of electrical conductors to create a switch
Enquiry Approach - Problem-solving
Applying prior scientific knowledge to solve problems and answer further questions.
Enquiry Skill - Setting up tests
Carefully following a method and using equipment accurately to carry out a scientific enquiry. The method may be designed by teachers or children themselves.
Save files related to this lesson
Words and meanings to learn
complete circuit
a full loop of wires and components that lets electricity flow around it; also called a closed circuit
control
manage the amount of something
incomplete circuit
when the loop is broken, so the electricity cannot flow all the way around; also called an open circuit
electrical conductor
a material which allows electricity to flow through it easily
switch
a component within an electrical circuit which allows the flow of electricity to be turned on and off
Sponsored by
Sarah is a former headteacher and charity CEO who founded Developing Experts in October 2015 with the goal to create a fit-for-purpose curriculum for schools. The company has created a science curriculum for children ages 4-16 which is delivered through sequenced lessons mapped against the National Curriculum in biology, chemistry, and physics. Developing Expert's innovative approach to learning has already been road-tested and voted 'best EdTech product in Europe', winning Tech Nation’s Rising Stars earlier in 2019 and a place on Google for Startups Immersion program 2020. In 2022 Developing Experts won the BETT Awards for Best Classroom Resource - Teaching Aid. Sarah is a 'LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leader' 2022. In October 2022 Developing Experts joined Tech Nation's Upscale 8.0 programme.
Sarah is delighted to be working with over 6500 UK schools and clients such as the Royal Horticulture Society, Network Rail, Rolls Royce, BEIS, National Nuclear Labs, Anglian Water and the Ministry of Defence.
Sarah was awarded an MBE for her services to tech and education in 2020.
Katie is the Chief Operating Officer at DE, which means she oversees HR, finance and our business model. After studying Drama at Exeter University, Katie spent three years as a primary teacher, before relocating to Norfolk and joining Developing Experts.
In her spare time, Katie likes to sing with Norwich Harmony barbershop chorus and has recently formed a quartet. Katie loves cooking and spending time with her husband, Bryan and dog, Bertie. She has an endearing laugh, which has to be heard to be believed. Many of us see Katie as the office 'Mum', she gives great hugs and keeps our spirits up.
Contact: [email protected]
Clare is an experienced primary school teacher, having worked across both Key Stage 1 and Early Years. Before joining Developing Experts, Clare worked as a Quality Assurance Inspector for a childcare agency, following OFSTED's inspection criteria. Clare is passionate about education and ensuring children's learning is exciting and fun!
In her spare time, Clare is also a mother of two very active children and lots of animals! She enjoys a variety of sports and loves the outdoors!
Emma has spent the past 12 years teaching in primary schools, where she has led history and played a key role in shaping curriculum development across her academy trust. With a passion for designing lessons that are lively, meaningful, and rooted in real-life context, she is dedicated to making learning something children remember and enjoy.
Her curriculum leadership has supported schools through successful Ofsted inspections, but her greatest motivation comes from helping pupils develop a love of learning and supporting them to make connections between the past, present, and the wider world.
In her spare time, Emma loves travelling the world and exploring new places -there is always another castle to discover!
Resources: Class presentation, a torch, batteries, a bulb, a switch, alligator clips and wires. A variety of materials that can be used as a switch, such as paper clips, tin foil, pins, safety pins and coins. Include some resources for the children to stick or pin their switches to, such as card or cardboard.
Support Handout (1): This handout provides the children with a scaffolded way to explain their predictions using tick boxes for Task 1. For Task 2, sentence starters have been provided to support instruction writing.
Core Handout (2): Task 1 asks children to state if four different circuits which contain switches will light up. Task 2 asks children to design their own switch and write instructions on how to make it.
Expert film
Mission assignment film
Electrician
An electrician is a skilled tradesperson responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing e...
Electrical Engineer
Electrical engineers design, develop, and maintain electrical systems and components. They work o...
Lighting Designer
Lighting Designers are responsible for creating the lighting scheme for theatre productions, conc...
Address
Developing Experts Limited
Exchange Street Buildings
35-37 Exchange Street
Norwich
NR2 1DP
UK
Phone
01603 273515
Email
[email protected]
Copyright 2025 Developing Experts, All rights reserved.
Unlock expert-designed lessons, resources, and assessments tailored for educators. No credit card required.
Claim Your Free Trial →
