Add a switch to a design
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can add a switch to a vehicle body.
Key learning points
- The slide switch needs to be added to the electrical system.
- The battery packs needs to be attached last and connections secured.
- Bare wires can be secured with insulating electrical tape
Keywords
Switch - controls the flow of electricity by completing or breaking a circuit
Insulating - does not allow heat or electricity to pass through it
Connection - where two things meet and touch
Common misconception
Simple eletrical systems are not dangerous.
All exposed electrical wires need to be covered to prevent injury or fire.
Teacher tip
Pupils may wish to practise building a simple circuit with a motor before attepting to connect the components of the circuit in their vehicle. This would help pupils understand the connections required to make their circuit work.
Equipment
Please see 'Additional Materials' document for detals of the equipment and resources needed for this lesson.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What do we call a series of electrical components, such a switches, bulbs and batteries, that is connected by wires?
Q2.Which of these is the symbol for a switch in a circuit diagram?
Q3.In what ways can electricity be dangerous?
Q4.What do we call a mechanism that has a band or rope rotating a grooved wheel and is used for lifting or rotating objects?
Q5.What are wheels usually connected to on a vehicle?
Q6.What is the base or frame of a vehicle called?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.When should a battery pack (with cells) be connected to a circuit?
Q2.What do we call materials, such as electrical tape, that do not let electricity pass through them?
Q3.Finish the statements.
allows electricity to flow.
does not allow electricity to flow.
break a circuit.
complete a circuit.
Q4.What is this tool used for?
Q5.What word is used to describe 'where two things meet and touch'?
Q6.True or false? A switch is a type of output.
To help you plan your 5 design and technology lesson on: Add a switch to a design, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 design and technology lesson on: Add a switch to a design, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 design and technology lessons from the Pulleys and gears: electric vehicles unit, dive into the full primary design and technology curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.