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.

Electrical discoveries and inventions (non-statutory)

Science

Components and simple circuits

Circuit symbols and diagrams

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

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

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

Throughout history, pioneers in {{}} have largely shaped how we live today.

Which of these would a scientist do as part of their work?

Electrical inventions are important because they can make everyday tasks ...

What type of electricity did Ancient Greeks observe with amber?

They developed television programmes on electricity.

They learned how to use electricity to help us.

How did electrical pioneers of the past help us?

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

Which of these is something that has been invented?

If they don't use batteries, electrical appliances can get the electricity they need from {{}} power.

Why do scientists consider the work of earlier scientists?

Electrical discoveries and inventions (non-statutory)

Lesson outcome

Content guidance