KS3 & KS4 science curriculum

This unit builds on pupils’ prior learning from Resistance and parallel circuits, where they explored how different circuit arrangements affect current, voltage, and resistance. It deepens their understanding by examining electric fields and the calculations needed to predict circuit behaviour. This prepares pupils for the next unit, Circuit components, where they will apply their knowledge to explore the function of various components like diodes and thermistors, enhancing their understanding of how circuits operate and the factors influencing their performance.

1. Electric fields
2. Moving electric charge
3. Linking current, potential difference and resistance
4. Resistance of a wire at a constant temperature
5. Analysing series circuits: including complex calculations
6. Adding components to a parallel circuit
7. Analysing parallel circuits: including complex calculations

• Electric current is measured in amps (A) with an ammeter.
• Potential difference (voltage) is measured in volts (V) with a voltmeter.
• 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 voltage across each component in a series electric circuit adds up to the voltage of the battery.
• Resistance is a measure of how hard it is for current to flow.
• Resistance is measured in ohms (Ω).
• The voltage across each branch of a parallel circuit is the same as the voltage across the battery.
• Each loop in a parallel circuit is equivalent to a series circuit connected to the same battery.
• The current through each branch of a parallel circuit adds up to the current through the battery.