Switches in simple circuits
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can make a switch for an electrical circuit.
Key learning points
- A loop of connected electrical components that goes from one side of a cell to the other is called a series circuit.
- When making a series circuit, connect the battery last. Disconnect it first when taking the circuit apart.
- Switches are inputs in electrical circuits.
- Simple switches can be made with split pins, card and paper clips.
- Zinc–carbon cells and batteries are safer to use in schools, as they are less likely to short-circuit.
Keywords
Series circuit - a complete loop that goes from one side of a battery to the other
Zinc-carbon cell - a component that makes electricity using a chemical reaction
Switch - controls the flow of electricity by completing or breaking a circuit
Circuit - a loop of connected electrical components that let electricity flow through them
Common misconception
All switches have to be pressed to work.
Switches control the flow of electricity in a circuit and can be pushed, slid, twisted or pulled.
Teacher tip
Zinc–carbon cells are less likely to short-circuit and, therefore, safer to use in schools. Zinc–chloride and zinc–carbon cells are sold by most educational suppliers and are generally cheaper. They do not have a long shelf life (less than two years) so don't buy large stocks.
Equipment
Zinc–carbon cells, split pins, card, paper clips, electrical leads with crocodile clip ends, battery pack, bulb.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a component?
Q2.What are coding blocks?
Q3.Which of these coding blocks can be used to show an icon on the LED display?
Q4.Which of these coding blocks can be used to draw a picture on the LED display?
Q5.Which of these coding blocks can be used to write a message on the LED display?
Q6.How can you change the name of a project in Tinkercad?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What is a series circuit?
Q2.Which type of cell is best to use in school to make a series circuit?
Q3.What are switches?
Q4.Which of these will not be used to make a simple switch?
To help you plan your 5 design and technology lesson on: Switches in simple circuits, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 design and technology lesson on: Switches in simple circuits, 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.