A series circuit is an electric circuit with one complete loop from one end of a battery to the other end.

A circuit diagram is a simple and clear way of showing the setup and components in an electrical circuit.

Circuit symbols are used to show electrical components in a circuit. They are simple to draw and easy to recognise.

A complete circuit is one with no gaps, so electricity is able to flow round the circuit.

Making a series circuit

Science

Fixing faulty circuits

Electric current

Measuring electric current

Measuring voltage

Changing voltage

Static electricity

Static electricity: charge

In the Magnets and electromagnets unit, they will build on this knowledge to learn about how electric current flows through electromagnets, factors that affect the strength of electromagnets and uses of electromagnets that include a simple electric motor.

In Changing circuits unit (Y6), pupils learnt to construct simple circuits, and about complete circuits, circuit diagrams and how the number and voltage of cells in a battery affect components in a circuit. 

This unit covers electric current, potential difference, and resistance in series and parallel circuits. It also explores charge separation, electron transfer, and electric fields. The unit focuses on interpreting data, identifying patterns, and drawing conclusions using scientific knowledge.

Series circuits

A filament is a thin metal wire inside some light bulbs that glows and emits light when heated.

A faulty component is one that is damaged or isn't conducting electricity properly.

A complete circuit is one where there are no gaps, so electricity is able to flow round the circuit.

A test circuit is used to check if a component (or other circuit) is allowing electricity to flow through.

An electrical cell is a component that uses a chemical reaction to make electric charge flow in a circuit.

Objects can have an electrical charge that is positive or negative. If there is no charge, they are neutral.

Electrons are the charges in conductors that flow to cause an electric current.

Electric current is the flow of electric charge in a circuit.

An ammeter is a device that measures the current flowing in a circuit.

An ammeter measures the current in units called amps (A) which is short for amperes.

A voltmeter is a device that measures the voltage supplied by a cell or battery or across a component.

Voltage is a measure of the 'push' from a cell or battery that moves charge around a circuit.

Potential difference is a more formal term for voltage; they can be used interchangeably.

A voltmeter measures the voltage (or potential difference) in units called volts (V).

Two or more cells connected in series form a battery.

An electrical cell is a component that uses a chemical reaction to make electric charge flow around a circuit.

Static electricity is caused by the build-up of charge on insulators.

A positive charge is a type of electrical charge that is attracted to a negative charge.

A negative charge is a type of electrical charge that is attracted to a positive charge.

The electrostatic force is a force that acts between charges.

Atoms are the particles that make up chemical elements, consisting of equal numbers of positively charged protons and negatively charged electrons.

Electrons are negatively charged particles in conductors that flow to produce an electric current.

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