Making a series circuit
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use a circuit diagram to build a series circuit and then draw a circuit diagram of a completed circuit.
Key learning points
- The names and symbols of the basic components of an electric circuit.
- A series circuit is an electric circuit with one complete loop from one end of a battery to the other end.
- A circuit is built systematically following a circuit diagram in one direction, starting from any point.
- A circuit diagram is drawn systematically, following the circuit in one direction, starting from any point.
- Wires in a circuit diagram are drawn using a ruler for clarity, with no gaps that would indicate a break in the circuit.
Keywords
Series circuit - A series circuit is an electric circuit with one complete loop from one end of a battery to the other end.
Circuit diagram - A circuit diagram is a simple and clear way of showing the setup and components in an electrical circuit.
Circuit symbol - Circuit symbols are used to show electrical components in a circuit. They are simple to draw and easy to recognise.
Complete circuit - A complete circuit is one with no gaps, so electricity is able to flow round the circuit.
Common misconception
Pupils often think of a circuit diagram as a map of a circuit when, in fact, it is a stylised representation that is drawn in a particular way to increase its clarity.
Emphasise that the diagram shows the sequence of the components in the circuit, not the position. A component can be moved to a different place but still be in the same sequence.
Teacher tip
Show pupils different versions of the same circuit together with their corresponding diagrams. Probe pupils' understanding of why they think these are the same or are different.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In a circuit with one cell and one lamp, what happens to the brightness of the lamp if a second cell is added (in series) into the circuit?
Q2.In a circuit with one cell and one lamp, what happens to the brightness of the first lamp if a second, identical lamp is added (in series with the first) into the circuit?
Q3.Which component is represented by the symbol shown?
Q4.Which component is represented by the symbol shown?
Q5.Which of the symbols shown is used to represent a resistor?
Q6.Which of the following changes would increase the brightness of a lamp in a circuit?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these electrical components have + (plus) and – (minus) terminals?
Q2.Which of the following is required to make a series circuit work correctly?
Q3.Which of these is not a rule for drawing circuit diagrams?
Q4.Which of these pieces of equipment should be used when drawing a circuit diagram?
Q5.Which of the following components is designed to light up when electricity flows though it?
Q6.Put the following steps into the correct order to describe how to build a circuit from a circuit diagram.
To help you plan your 8 science lesson on: Making a series circuit, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 science lesson on: Making a series 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 3 science lessons from the Series circuits unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.