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

Measuring electric current

Science

Making a series circuit

Fixing faulty circuits

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 the following images is of an ammeter?

it decreases as it passes through components

it increases as it passes through components

it stays the same as it passes through components

it decreases as it passes through components then returns to the original value

What happens to the current in a series circuit?

the current will increase if the ammeter is placed before the cell or battery

the current will decrease if the ammeter is placed after the cell or battery

What will happen to the current when an ammeter is placed in a series circuit?

the ammeters have no effect on the current

the lamp decreases the current and the ammeters increase the current

both the lamp and the ammeters decrease the current

Which of the following statements about this circuit is correct?

the reading on ammeter 1 will be higher than the reading on ammeter 2

the reading on ammeter 1 will be lower than the reading on ammeter 2

ammeter 1 will have a positive reading and ammeter 2 will have negative one

the reading on both ammeters will be the same

Which of the following statements about the readings on the two ammeters is correct?

lamp 1 will be brightest, followed by lamp 2 and lamp 3 will be dimmest

lamp 3 will be brightest, followed by lamp 2 and lamp 1 will be dimmest

lamps 1 and 3 will be bright and lamp 2 will be dim

What of the following statements about the lamps in the circuit shown is correct?

What is the name of the tiny, charged particles that flow in a circuit?

What is the name of the component that can be closed (to allow current to flow) or opened (to stop current flowing)?

Which of the following words is used to describe a flow of charge?

They enter through the negative terminal.

They enter through the positive terminal.

Electrons only leave a cell; they don’t enter.

Where would you find electrons that can flow to cause a current? Select all that apply.

a component that pushes out and pulls in electrons

Match the following electrical terms to their definition.

Measuring electric current

Lesson outcome

Content guidance