Push-to-make switches
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can make a push-to-make switch.
Key learning points
- A push-to-make switch connects the circuit when it is pressed and completes the circuit.
- Switches can be used in a museum alarm.
- Switches can activate a signal.
- A push-to-make switch can be made using cardboard, split pins and aluminium foil.
Keywords
Series circuit - a loop of connected electrcial components
Zinc–carbon cell - a component that makes electricity using a chemical reaction
Push-to-make switch - controls a circuit by pushing the connection together
Common misconception
There is only one type of switch.
Switches break the electrical flow of a circuit but they can be activated in different ways - they can be pushed, slid, twisted or pulled.
Teacher tip
Zinc batteries are less likely to short circuit and therefore safer to use in schools. Zinc chloride and zinc carbon batteries 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 batteries, split pins, card, aluminium foil, 3 crocodile clips, battery pack, lightbulb
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - equipment
Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following do we use electricity for?
Q2.The different parts which make up an electrical circuit are called circuit .
Q3.Which circuit component does this image show?
Q4.In an electrical circuit, an open switch __________ the circuit.
Q5.Which of the following are circuit components?
Q6.Which of the following is an electrical conductor?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What does a push-to-make switch do?
Q2.How is a bulb represented in a circuit diagram?
Q3.Which of these can be used for making a push-to-make switch?
Q4.Why might we use a push-to-make switch in a museum alarm?
To help you plan your 6 design and technology lesson on: Push-to-make switches, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 design and technology lesson on: Push-to-make switches, 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 Systems and control: sensor alarms unit, dive into the full primary design and technology curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.