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

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

Which of these electrical components have + (plus) and – (minus) terminals?

it needs to be built by starting at a cell or battery

there needs to be an insulator in the circuit

Which of the following is required to make a series circuit work correctly?

Straight horizontal, or vertical, lines are used for wires.

Components are represented by circuit symbols.

Which of these is **not** a rule for drawing circuit diagrams?

Which of these pieces of equipment should be used when drawing a circuit diagram?

Which of the following components is designed to light up when electricity flows though it?

Collect the number of components and wires shown in the diagram.

Arrange the components into the correct order.

Starting at any point, connect two components with a wire.

Connect the next component with another wire.

Carry on connecting components until you have a complete loop.

Put the following steps into the correct order to describe how to build a circuit from a circuit diagram.

the brightness of the lamp does not change

In a circuit with one cell and one lamp, what happens to the brightness of the lamp if a second cell is added (in series) into the circuit?

the brightness of the first lamp does not change

In a circuit with one cell and one lamp, what happens to the brightness of the first lamp if a second, identical lamp is added (in series with the first) into the circuit?

Which component is represented by the symbol shown?

Which of the symbols shown is used to represent a resistor?

Which of the following changes would **increase** the brightness of a lamp in a circuit?

Making a series circuit

Lesson outcome

Content guidance