An electrical circuit is a closed loop or path that electricity can flow through to make a component work.

A complete electrical circuit is made when all components are connected together correctly and there are no breaks in the circuit.

An incomplete electrical circuit is made when the components are not connected together correctly or there are breaks in the circuit.

A series circuit is when all the components are in the same loop.

Building simple circuits

Science

In this Simple electrical circuits unit, pupils learn to construct a simple series electrical circuit, identifying and naming its basic parts. In the Changing circuits unit, they will build on this knowledge to learn to compare and give reasons for variations in how components function in a simple circuit

In the Everyday materials unit, pupils learnt to identify and name a variety of everyday materials, including wood, plastic, glass and metal. In this Simple electrical circuits unit, pupils will build on this knowledge to recognise some common conductors and insulators, and associate metals with being good conductors

Simple electrical circuits 

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

A complete electrical circuit is made when all the {{}} are connected together correctly. 

they must work with other scientists in  a lab

What do scientists do in order to solve problems? 

a component which provides power to circuits and has one unit 

a component which provides power and has more than one unit

Which of these components is a device, powered by electricity? 

one wire on either the negative or positive end 

one wire on the positive end and one on the negative end

In a circuit how should the wires be connected to the cell? 

What do you call a circuit where all the components are connected together in the same loop?   

What does a cell or battery do in a circuit? 

The basic elements of a circuit are called {{}}.

allow electricity to flow between components 

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - equipment

Adult supervision required

Starter Quiz