An electrical circuit is a closed loop or path that electricity can flow through to make a component work.

A component is a device in a circuit that has a specific function.

A cell is a single unit that is needed for electricity to flow around a circuit.

When two or more cells are used together, it is called a battery.

Cells and batteries have a negative and positive terminal.

Components and simple circuits

Science

Circuit symbols and diagrams

Electrical discoveries and inventions (non-statutory)

Investigating voltage: plan

Investigating voltage: do and review

Variables in electric circuits: plan

Variables in electric circuits: do and review

Changing the volume of buzzers

The position of switches: open and closed

Choosing and using conductors and insulators (non-statutory)

How electrical insulators keep us safe (non-statutory)

Electrical careers

Electrical sensors: design (non-statutory)

Electrical sensors: make and review (non-statutory)

Debating the use of electric cars (non-stat Climate Change & Sustainability)

Sustainable sources of electricity (non-stat Climate Change & Sustainability)

In the Changing circuits unit, pupils learnt to give reasons for variations in how components function, such as the brightness of bulbs. In the Series circuits unit, they will build on this knowledge to find rules for electric current and voltage in series circuits 

In the Simple electrical circuits units, pupils learnt to construct a simple series electrical circuit, identifying and naming its basic parts. In this Changing circuits unit, pupils will build on this knowledge to compare and give reasons for variations in how components in a circuit function

This unit explores how circuit components like lamps and buzzers function, including the effect of cell number and voltage. It covers using symbols in circuit diagrams, planning scientific enquiries, taking precise measurements, recording data, and presenting findings with evidence and conclusions.

Changing circuits

A circuit symbol is a simple picture or shape used to represent a component in a circuit diagram.

A circuit diagram is a pictorial representation of a circuit.

A pioneer is a person who is the first to develop or use a new technology or idea.

Something that is electrical is powered by or linked to electricity.

An invention is something that has never been made before.

A scientist is a person who learns about science and carries out enquiries.

An engineer is a person who designs and builds things.

A battery is two or more cells working together.

Voltage is a measure of the size of the push provided by a cell or other source of electricity.

To affect something or someone is to change it or how it behaves.

The brightness of a lamp is the amount of light it gives out.

The brightness of a bulb is the amount of light it gives out.

Lux is the unit used to measure the brightness of light.

The brightness of a bulb is the amount of light it produces.

A variable is something that can be changed, measured or kept the same in an investigation.

To predict is to say what you think will happen.

A buzzer is a device in an electrical circuit which makes a noise.

A decibel is a unit used to measure the volume of sound.

A switch is part of an electrical circuit than can stop or allow electricity to flow.

Control variables are variables that are kept the same throughout an investigation.

An appliance is a device or piece of equipment designed to perform a specific task.

A complete electrical circuit is made when all components are connected together correctly and there are no gaps in the circuit.

Electricity is needed for lighting, heating and making machines and appliances work.

An electrical conductor is a material that allows electricity to pass through it easily.

An electrical insulator is a material that does not allow electricity to pass through it easily.

An electric shock occurs when electricity passes into our bodies. It can be very dangerous.

High voltage electricity flows with a stronger push than low voltage electricity.

Personal protective equipment or PPE refers to clothes and equipment used by people to keep them safe.

Something that is electrical either needs or is linked to electricity.

A career is a job that a person chooses to do through their life.

Industry is work linked to the processing of raw materials and the manufacture of products.

Electronics is the study, design, building and maintenance of devices and systems which use electricity.

Secondary sources are texts, images or objects created using information gathered by others.

A switch is part of an electrical circuit that can stop or allow electricity to flow.

A sensor is a device that can detect and monitor changes.

To detect something is to discover or notice it.

To design something is to make a plan and a drawing describing how it could be built.

Sensors are devices that can detect and monitor changes.

Trial and error is trying different ways to solve a problem and learning from your mistakes until you find a method that works.

To evaluate is to think about what you did and suggest any changes or improvements.

A fuel is something that can be used to generate heat or light..

Emissions are materials released into the environment from a particular process.

Carbon dioxide is a type of gas found in Earth's atmosphere.

Gases which contribute towards global warming are called greenhouse gases.

A debate is a formal discussion in which opposing ideas are put forward and which usually ends with a vote.

To generate electricity is to produce it.

Fossil fuels are fuels made over millions of years from fossilised plants and animals buried deep beneath Earth's surface.

Global warming is the long-term rise in average temperatures on Earth.

Sustainable sources of electricity are those which do not need to be replaced because they will never run out.

Changing circuits

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