Switches
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how a switch is used to open and close a circuit.
Key learning points
- Switches are used to control circuits.
- Switches can break a circuit by making a space between components where the electricity cannot flow.
- Switches are used to turn bulbs, buzzers and motors on and off.
- Different types of switches are used to control many electrical appliances we use everyday.
Keywords
Switch - A switch is part of an electrical circuit than can stop or allow electricity to flow.
Control variable - Control variables are variables that are kept the same throughout an investigation.
Circuit - An electrical circuit is a closed loop or path that electricity can flow through to make a component work.
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.
Common misconception
All electrical appliances and circuits use the same type of switch.
Children will be introduced to a wide range of switches.
Teacher tip
When they build their own switches, encourage children to work like a scientist by testing a range of approaches before deciding upon their final design.
Equipment
Equipment for building simple switches: cells, wires, switches, bulbs, buzzers and motors and resources for children to build their own switches.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Who should investigate problems with electricity and electrical appliances?
Q2.Which of these rules should you follow when using electricity and electrical appliances?
Q3.Why won’t this circuit work?
Q4.What do you call an electrical circuit where all the components are correctly connected and there are no gaps in the loop?
Q5.What is a device?
Q6.Which of these circuits won’t work because the buzzer is connected the wrong way?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1. are used to control circuits.
Q2.Switches can break by making a space between components where the electricity cannot flow.
Q3.Which of these components could switches turn on and off?
Q4.Which of these are types of switches?
Q5.Switches are used to control many electrical we use everyday.
Q6.What types of switch are shown on this clock radio?
To help you plan your 4 science lesson on: Switches, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 4 science lesson on: 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 science lessons from the Simple electrical circuits unit, dive into the full primary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.