New
New
Lesson 2 of 16
  • Year 6

Circuit symbols and diagrams

I can use circuit symbols to represent components in a simple circuit diagram.

Lesson 2 of 16
New
New
  • Year 6

Circuit symbols and diagrams

I can use circuit symbols to represent components in a simple circuit diagram.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Circuit symbols are small images that represent different electrical components.
  2. Circuit symbols allow everybody in the world to understand how a circuit is made.
  3. Circuit diagrams show how the components in a circuit are connected together.

Keywords

  • Circuit - An electrical circuit is a closed loop or path that electricity can flow through to make a component work.

  • Component - A component is a device in a circuit that has a specific function.

  • Circuit symbol - A circuit symbol is a simple picture or shape used to represent a component in a circuit diagram.

  • Circuit diagram - A circuit diagram is a pictorial representation of a circuit.

Common misconception

Pupils may think circuit diagrams should be drawn in 3D or that they are maps of circuits, drawn to scale with wobbly lines like roads on a map.

Pupils will be taught to draw and interpret circuit symbols and diagrams and will practice doing so.


To help you plan your year 6 science lesson on: Circuit symbols and diagrams, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Encourage pupils to take pride in their circuit diagrams, always using a ruler and a sharp pencil, and emphasise that this increases the chances of other scientists being able to understand them.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Equipment for simple circuits: cells, wires, switches, buzzers, light bulbs and motor.

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - equipment

Supervision

Adult supervision required

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

Loading...

Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
What is an electrical circuit?

A set of electrical signs telling you which exercises to do.
Correct answer: A closed loop that electricity can flow through to make something work.
An electric light in the shape of a circle.

Q2.
Which of these is an electrical component?

a vacuum cleaner
a wheel
a magnet
Correct answer: a motor

Q3.
What is the name given to the two ends of a cell or battery?

Correct answer: terminals
points
poles
conductors

Q4.
Using science language, which image shows a battery?

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

Q5.
Which terminal is the arrow pointing at in the picture?

An image in a quiz
the positive terminal
Correct answer: the negative terminal

Q6.
Which diagram correctly shows the direction of flow of electricity around the circuit?

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

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
Circuit are small images that represent different electrical components.

Correct Answer: symbols

Q2.
Why are circuit symbols used?

An image in a quiz
to make sure everyone uses art as well as science
Correct answer: to allow everyone to understand how a circuit is made
to create engaging instructions

Q3.
Which of these things show how a circuit is connected together?

a circuit symbol
a circuit component
a short circuit
Correct answer: a circuit diagram
a circuit map

Q4.
Which circuit symbol is shown here?

An image in a quiz
a wire
Correct answer: a closed switch
an open switch
a bulb

Q5.
Which circuit symbol is shown here?

An image in a quiz
a bulb
a motor
Correct answer: a buzzer
an open switch

Q6.
Which circuit diagram matches the circuit drawing?

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