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

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?

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?

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - equipment

Adult supervision required

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

Variables in electric circuits: plan

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

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