Series circuits
Downloads can take a few minutes, especially for larger files or slower connections.
Threads
Why this why now
This unit builds on pupils’ prior learning from Changing circuits, where they explored the components and variations of electrical circuits and how changes affect circuit behaviour. It deepens their understanding by focusing on series circuits, exploring current, voltage, and resistance in a simple loop. This prepares pupils for the next unit, Magnets and electromagnets, where they will apply their knowledge of electric circuits to understand how electricity and magnetism interact, further enhancing their understanding of electromagnetic systems.
Prior knowledge requirements
- The names of basic components of an electric circuit.
- The circuit symbols of basic components of an electric circuit.
- A complete circuit is needed for a circuit to work.
- A switch opens and closes to break and complete a circuit.
- Metals are good conductors of electricity.
- Having more cells in a simple (series) circuit makes a bulb brighter or a buzzer louder.
- In a simple circuit, a battery with a higher voltage makes a bulb brighter or a buzzer louder.
Threads
Why this why now
This unit builds on pupils’ prior learning from Changing circuits, where they explored the components and variations of electrical circuits and how changes affect circuit behaviour. It deepens their understanding by focusing on series circuits, exploring current, voltage, and resistance in a simple loop. This prepares pupils for the next unit, Magnets and electromagnets, where they will apply their knowledge of electric circuits to understand how electricity and magnetism interact, further enhancing their understanding of electromagnetic systems.
Prior knowledge requirements
- The names of basic components of an electric circuit.
- The circuit symbols of basic components of an electric circuit.
- A complete circuit is needed for a circuit to work.
- A switch opens and closes to break and complete a circuit.
- Metals are good conductors of electricity.
- Having more cells in a simple (series) circuit makes a bulb brighter or a buzzer louder.
- In a simple circuit, a battery with a higher voltage makes a bulb brighter or a buzzer louder.
Physics
Series circuits
This unit covers electric current, potential difference, and resistance in series and parallel circuits. It also explores charge separation, electron transfer, and electric fields. The unit focuses on interpreting data, identifying patterns, and drawing conclusions using scientific knowledge.
8 lessons in unit
slide decks, worksheet PDFs, quizzes and lesson overviews. You can select individual lessons from the Series circuits unit and download the resources you need, or download the entire unit now. See every unit listed in our secondary science curriculum and discover more of our teaching resources for secondary science programmes.