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

Choosing and using conductors and insulators (non-statutory)

Science

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

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

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

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

because electricity makes appliances more expensive to make

because electricity makes appliances buzz when you use them

Why could it be a problem that electrical appliances need electricity? 

by avoiding all electrical conductors in all appliances 

by learning how to cope with electric shocks

How can we be protected from the dangerous effects of electricity flowing through conductors? 

They make them entirely from conductors. 

They make them entirely from insulators. 

They choose insulators and conductors for different parts.

How do engineers solve the problem of electrical appliances needing electricity but also needing to be safe to use?  

the circuit and components that make hot air 

Which part of this hair dryer should be made from electrical conductors?  

Washing machines, mobile phones and games consoles are examples of electrical ...

Which of these are not electrical appliances? 

Which of these professionals would design, invent and build electrical appliances? 

A {{}} is the thing that objects are made from such as wood, metal or plastic.

Which is the best material for conducting electricity? 

a material that allows electricity to pass through it easily

a material that does not allow electricity to pass through it easily

Match electrical conductor or insulator to the correct definition.

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - equipment

Adult supervision required

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Choosing and using conductors and insulators (non-statutory)

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.