Year 4

To design, make and test components for an electrical system.

In this lesson, we will build our technical vocabulary. We will make switches that operate in different ways. We will select and test materials. We will test our switches. This lesson includes some physical activity and equipment beyond pen, paper or pencil. Please make sure your child is adequately supervised.

Year 4

To design, make and test components for an electrical system.

In this lesson, we will build our technical vocabulary. We will make switches that operate in different ways. We will select and test materials. We will test our switches. This lesson includes some physical activity and equipment beyond pen, paper or pencil. Please make sure your child is adequately supervised.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. the correct technical vocabulary for the projects they are undertaking
  2. how well products meet user needs and wants

Equipment

Aluminium foil, paper fasteners, paper clips, card, paper clips, buzzers, bulbs, bulb holders, batteries, battery holders, scissors, copper tape, Computer/iPad

Content guidance

  • Equipment requiring safe usage.

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

Licence

This content is made available by Oak National Academy Limited and its partners and licensed under Oak’s terms & conditions (Collection 1), except where otherwise stated.

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4 Questions

Q1.
Which of these electrical products creates the outputs of heat, sound and movement?
Kettle.
Radio.
Correct answer: Washing machine.
Q2.
Which component is used as an output device in an electrical system?
A battery.
A switch.
Correct answer: An LED.
Q3.
True or false, using electrical wires that are damaged is unsafe?
False.
Correct answer: True.
Q4.
Which of these switches is a simple on/off switch?
A make to break switch.
A push to make switch.
A reed switch.
Correct answer: A toggle switch.

5 Questions

Q1.
Which of these components is the odd one out?
Bulb.
Correct answer: Buzzer.
LED.
Q2.
What can a switch be used to do? (Tick 3 boxes)
To provide power to the electrical system.
Correct answer: To turn a light on or off.
Correct answer: To turn the electrical system on or off.
Correct answer: To turn the sound up or down.
Q3.
Why is an electrical wire coated in plastic?
Electrical wire is coated in plastic because plastic is a conductor of electricity.
Correct answer: Electrical wire is coated in plastic because plastic is an insulator of electricity.
Electrical wire is coated in plastic to make it look nice.
Q4.
Which of the following products are commonly battery powered?
Microwave.
Correct answer: Portable torch.
Television.
Q5.
Which of the following products are commonly powered by mains electricity?
Microwave.
Portable torch.
Correct answer: Television.