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

To detect something is to discover or notice it.

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.

Electrical sensors: make and review (non-statutory)

Science

Components and simple circuits

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)

Debating the use of electric cars (non-statutory)

Sustainable sources of electricity (non-statutory)

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

They treat our illnesses to make us healthier.

They take ideas from paper to invent, design and build things that matter.

They help us learn about new ideas and scientific concepts.

Where do we need to follow strict safety rules when using electrical components and appliances?

Because components get too cold if they get wet.

Because minerals in water are electrical conductors.

Why are strict safety rules needed when you use electrical components near water?

Do not use normal electrical appliances in the bathroom.

Do not use electrical appliances in the kitchen.

Do not use electrical equipment with wet hands.

Do not dry your hands before using electrical equipment.

Which of the following are rules linked to electrical safety and water?

To come up with engaging drawings for their reports.

To choose how to present their results dramatically.

Why do scientists sometimes have to think creatively?

someone goes to court for a crime they have committed.

we keep trying and learn from the mistakes we make until we get it right.

we keep making the same mistakes with our inventions.

Complete the sentence: Trial and error is when ...

A {{}} is a device which detects changes in things like light, temperature, motion, sound or pressure.

Match the type of sensor to what it detects.

Which of the following is a fire alarm likely to sense?

measure the length and height of buildings

design, test and build things to solve real–world problems

Which of the following tasks would an engineer do?

Which of the following types of sensors would you use to monitor whether the water level in a tank was high enough?

Which component do sensors control within an electrical circuit?

Starter Quiz