Electrical discoveries and inventions (non-statutory)
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can research some important electrical inventions from the past to the present day.
Key learning points
- Throughout history, pioneers in electrical engineering have largely shaped how we live today.
- Science is about thinking creatively to try to explain how things work.
- Ancient Greeks made observations about static electricity which is different to the electricity used in our appliances.
- Electrical pioneers learned how to harness electricity and use it to help us.
- Electrical inventions make some everyday tasks easier.
Keywords
Pioneer - A pioneer is a person who is the first to develop or use a new technology or idea.
Electrical - Something that is electrical is powered by or linked to electricity.
Invention - An invention is something that has never been made before.
Scientist - A scientist is a person who learns about science and carries out enquiries.
Engineer - An engineer is a person who designs and builds things.
Common misconception
Electricity was invented by humans.
Lesson content will teach children about early observations and explanations of natural electricity.
Teacher tip
Through examples, encourage children to identify the difference between things which have been discovered or explained by people, and those which have been invented by people.
Equipment
Access to secondary sources of information about electrical inventions.
Content guidance
Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1. is needed for lighting, heating and making machines and appliances work.
Q2.Electricity is ...
Q3.Which of these is something that has been invented?
Q4.Which of these require electricity?
Q5.If they don't use batteries, electrical appliances can get the electricity they need from power.
Q6.Why do scientists consider the work of earlier scientists?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.A is a person who is the first to develop or use a new technology or idea.
Q2.Throughout history, pioneers in have largely shaped how we live today.
Q3.Which of these would a scientist do as part of their work?
Q4.Electrical inventions are important because they can make everyday tasks ...
Q5.What type of electricity did Ancient Greeks observe with amber?
Q6.How did electrical pioneers of the past help us?
To help you plan your 6 science lesson on: Electrical discoveries and inventions (non-statutory), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 science lesson on: Electrical discoveries and inventions (non-statutory), 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 science lessons from the Changing circuits unit, dive into the full primary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.