KS3 & KS4 science curriculum

This unit builds on pupils’ prior learning from Electric fields and circuit calculations, where they explored how electric fields and current flow through circuits. It deepens their understanding by examining the role of various circuit components, such as diodes, thermistors, and resistors, and how they affect circuit behaviour. This prepares pupils for the next unit, Mains electricity, where they will apply their knowledge to understand how electrical systems operate in households, including safety measures and energy transmission.

1. Measuring the resistance of a filament lamp
2. Resistance of a hot metal
3. Measuring the resistance of a diode
4. Interpreting I–V graphs
5. Potential divider circuits
6. LDRs and thermistors

• The current in a series circuit is the same everywhere.
• Adding a component to a series circuit changes the current everywhere, on both sides of the component.
• The potential difference across each component in a series electric circuit adds up to the potential difference of the battery.
• The potential difference across each branch of a parallel circuit is the same as the potential difference across the battery.
• The current through each branch of a parallel circuit adds up to the current through the battery.
• Current = potential difference / resistance