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

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

Variables in electric circuits: plan

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: 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 any one thing in an investigation which could be changed.

How many variables should you change each time you carry out an investigation?

the position of the components has been changed

This circuit been changed to see what affects bulb brightness? How has it been changed?

the position of the components have been changed

This circuit been changed? How has it been changed?

Which of these may affect the brightness of a bulb in a circuit?

To {{}} a variable is to keep it the same during an investigation.

What is the unit used to measure the electrical push provided by a cell or battery?

Cells with a lower {{}} provide a weaker electrical push to a circuit.

How can you decrease the voltage of a circuit?

How does decreasing the voltage of the cell affect the brightness of a bulb in a circuit?

What might happen if the voltage is too high in a circuit?

What is the unit used to measure light with a light sensor?

Variables in electric circuits: plan

Lesson outcome

Content guidance