Components in a simple circuit
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify and name basic components in a simple electrical circuit.
Key learning points
- Electricity and circuits are just about everywhere and a part of most of our daily lives.
- The basic elements of an electrical circuit are called components.
- A simple electrical circuit has to have an electrical source, such as a battery.
- A simple electrical circuit has to have wires for the electricity to flow through.
- A simple electrical circuit has to have a device, such as a bulb, buzzer or motor, that requires electricity to work.
Keywords
Electrical - An object that is electrical needs electricity to make it work.
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 part in a circuit.
Identify - To identify something is to be able to name it correctly.
Device - In a circuit, a device is a component that needs electricity for a particular purpose.
Common misconception
Some words have different meanings in day-to-day life compared to their meaning in science (cell, battery and circuit).
Teachings slides will discuss confusion with words circuit, cell and battery.
Teacher tip
Give children time to explore components to help them become familiar with them.
Equipment
Although not essential, electrical components may be explored in this lesson to help familiarisation.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Televisions, mobile phones and washing machines are examples of electrical .
Q2.What type of electricity does an appliance use if it is plugged into a socket on the wall?
Q3.Match the appliance to its source of electricity.
battery
mains electricity
Q4.Which of the following activities can be completed using electricity?
Q5.Select the most accurate ending for the following sentence.
Appliances are devices or pieces of equipment designed …
Q6.Which of the following do scientists and engineers consider when choosing materials for electrical appliances?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.A simple electrical circuit has to have a source of , such as a battery.
Q2.Electricity and circuits are just about everywhere.
What are the basic elements of an electrical circuit called?
Q3.In a circuit, what does the electricity flow through between the components?
Q4.Which of the following electrical components is shown?
Q5.Which of the following electrical components is shown?
Q6.Which of the following electrical components is shown?
To help you plan your 4 science lesson on: Components in a simple circuit, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 4 science lesson on: Components in a simple circuit, 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.