Connecting components safely
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify safety measures in electrical circuits and install components safely.
Key learning points
- An electrical insulator stops electricity passing through it.
- An electrical conductor allows electricity to pass through it.
- Safety measures are essential when working with electricity.
- All electrical components need to be placed into the data logger case safely and securely.
Keywords
Safety measures - actions taken to prevent accidents when working with electricity
Electrical insulator - something that stops electricity passing through it
Electrical conductor - something that allows electricity to pass through it
Common misconception
Circuits in the classroom are always safe to use.
Electricity is dangerous and needs to be carefully worked with. It can't always be seen and hazards need to be identified.
Teacher tip
Have multiple rolls of electrical tape for children to use once connections are secure.
Equipment
circuit components, AAA zinc-carbon cells, battery packs, micro:bits, data logger cases
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 environmental considerations are in the data logger design specification?
Q2.Which will be the main material used to make the data logger case?
Q3.Why do we turn a recycled box inside out when making a prototype?
Q4.When the data logger case has been fully finished, what needs to be added last?
Q5.What is the cable linking a micro:bit to a computer called?
Q6.Why do we need to be careful when creating simple electrical circuits in classrooms?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.As a safety measure, which type of cell is best to use in school to make a simple circuit?
Q2.Which part of this picture shows an electrical insulator?
Q3.Why should the battery pack cover for a micro:bit stay in place?
Q4.Electrical tape is usually made from ...
To help you plan your 4 design and technology lesson on: Connecting components safely, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 4 design and technology lesson on: Connecting components safely, 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 Simple programming and control: data loggers unit, dive into the full primary design and technology curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.