Building simple circuits
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can build a simple series electrical circuit.
Key learning points
- A complete electrical circuit is made when all components are connected together correctly.
- Wires must be connected to the positive and negative end of the battery in a complete loop.
- A series circuit is when all the components are in the same loop.
- Scientists try out different ideas in order to solve problems.
Keywords
Circuit - An electrical circuit is a closed loop or path that electricity can flow through to make a component work.
Components - Components are the parts of a circuit.
Complete - A complete electrical circuit is made when all components are connected together correctly and there are no breaks in the circuit.
Incomplete - An incomplete electrical circuit is made when the components are not connected together correctly or there are breaks in the circuit.
Series - A series circuit is when all the components are in the same loop.
Common misconception
Misconceptions associated with incomplete circuits: one wire to battery; connections to the same end of the battery; wires the wrong way around; not connecting clips to metal.
Children will be taught about the number of wires needed and how to connect to the battery. They will also be given the chance to explore circuit building themselves.
Teacher tip
Encourage children to be systematic when they build circuits, creating simple circuits first, then checking them before adding complexity. There should be an element of trial and error during circuit building whereby children can explore for themselves without immediate adult intervention.
Equipment
Components for simple electric circuits: cells, wires, bulbs in holders, buzzers and motors.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does a cell do in a circuit?
Q2.The basic elements of a circuit are called .
Q3.Which image shows a bulb?
Q4.Which image shows a buzzer?
Q5.Which image shows a motor?
Q6.What do wires in a circuit do?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.A complete electrical circuit is made when all the are connected together correctly.
Q2.What do scientists do in order to solve problems?
Q3.Match the component to the description.
Q4.Which of these components is a device, powered by electricity?
Q5.In a circuit how should the wires be connected to the cell?
Q6.What do you call a circuit where all the components are connected together in the same loop?
To help you plan your 4 science lesson on: Building simple circuits, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 4 science lesson on: Building simple circuits, 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 Simple electrical circuits unit, dive into the full primary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.