Skip to content
Oak National Academy
Oak National Academy
Teachers
Pupils
New
New
Year 4

Connecting components safely

I can identify safety measures in electrical circuits and install components safely.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils
New
New
Year 4

Connecting components safely

I can identify safety measures in electrical circuits and install components safely.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Switch to our new teaching resources now - designed by teachers and leading subject experts, and tested in classrooms.

These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.

View new resources

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. An electrical insulator stops electricity passing through it.
  2. An electrical conductor allows electricity to pass through it.
  3. Safety measures are essential when working with electricity.
  4. 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.


To help you plan your year 4 design and technology lesson on: Connecting components safely, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Have multiple rolls of electrical tape for children to use once connections are secure.
Teacher tip

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

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

Skip lesson video

Loading...

Starter quiz

Download starter quiz

6 Questions

Q1.
What environmental considerations are in the data logger design specification?
Correct answer: how to reduce, reuse and recycle materials
what it will be made of
how it will log data
Q2.
Which will be the main material used to make the data logger case?
glass
plastic
Correct answer: cardboard
wood
Q3.
Why do we turn a recycled box inside out when making a prototype?
makes it easier to increase the size
Correct answer: makes it easier to decorate later
makes it easier to strengthen
Q4.
When the data logger case has been fully finished, what needs to be added last?
a recycled box
decorative items
cardboard sections
Correct answer: electrical components
Q5.
What is the cable linking a micro:bit to a computer called?
Correct Answer: data cable, USB lead, USB cable
Q6.
Why do we need to be careful when creating simple electrical circuits in classrooms?
because circuits can get very loud
Correct answer: because they can cause sparks or burns
because they are too easy to make
because they look really good

Exit quiz

Download exit quiz

4 Questions

Q1.
As a safety measure, which type of cell is best to use in school to make a simple circuit?
rechargeable
Correct answer: zinc-carbon
alkaline
Q2.
Which part of this picture shows an electrical insulator?
An image in a quiz
a
Correct answer: b
c
Q3.
Why should the battery pack cover for a micro:bit stay in place?
Correct answer: The electrical components will be unprotected
The electrical components will not work
The electrical components only work with the cover in place
Q4.
Electrical tape is usually made from ...
fabric such as cotton.
wood such as MDF.
Correct answer: plastic such as PVC

Additional material

Download additional material