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      Integrate programmable systems in a product

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can safely secure electrical components into designs.

      Key learning points

      1. When we use electrical components, we need to follow rules to stay safe.
      2. Wire strippers can create wires that can be hidden within designs, instead of using crocodile clips.
      3. Alarm inputs, such as a push-to-make switch, need to be placed near the artefact they are protecting.
      4. Electrical components can be secured using electrical tape.

      Keywords

      • Push-to-make switch - controls a circuit by pushing the connection together

      • Micro:bit pins - connections on the edge of the board used to add offboard components

      • Electrical wire - usually made from copper and covered with insulation to prevent electrical shock

      • Safety measures - actions taken to prevent accidents when working with electricity

      Common misconception

      Crocodile clips have to be used to connect the components together.

      Whilst crocodile clips can be used effectively, electrical wire from educational stockists can be used as a cheaper alternitive.

      Teacher tip

      Using coils of electrical wire from educational stockists is flexible and cheaper to use than crocodile clips. Having some wires cut and stripped ready before the lesson can enable pupils to access the work quickly.

      Equipment

      Museum artefact prototypes and a shoe box museum gallery prototype. Electrical components chosen by the class/teacher, wire strippers, electrical tape, micro:bit with downloaded hex file program.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What is a micro:bit used for?

      making posters
      Correct answer: controlling circuits
      writing stories
      making electricity

      Q2.
      What should you do last when building a circuit?

      Correct answer: add a battery pack
      cut wires
      use electrical tape
      twist the copper

      Q3.
      Which material covers electrical wires for safety?

      metal
      wood
      Correct answer: plastic
      paper

      Q4.
      What is a push-to-make switch used for?

      playing music
      stopping water
      Correct answer: turning on circuits
      holding electrical components

      Q5.
      Why do we use electrical tape in electrical circuits?

      to draw with
      Correct answer: to cover wires
      to make music
      to cool down

      Q6.
      What is electricity used for in a circuit?

      to make a noise
      to turn off a bulb
      Correct answer: to power components
      to hold wires

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Which of these is not good advice for keeping safe with electrical components?

      If cells look damaged, tell the teacher and don’t touch them.
      Keep water away from the circuit and the cells.
      Correct answer: Connect the battery packs first when making the circuit.

      Q2.
      Which of these is less likely to be in an electrical circuit for a museum gallery alarm prototype?

      An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
      An image in a quiz

      Q3.
      Wire strippers can strip away plastic insulation from electrical wires and also ...

      fold electrical wire.
      twist electrical wire.
      connect electrical wire.
      Correct answer: cut electrical wire.

      Q4.
      Electrical insulating tape is usually made from ...

      fabric, such as cotton.
      wood, such as MDF.
      paper, such as cartridge paper.
      Correct answer: plastic, such as PVC.

      To help you plan your 6 design and technology lesson on: Integrate programmable systems in a product, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...