Circuit symbols and diagrams
I can use circuit symbols to represent components in a simple circuit diagram.
Circuit symbols and diagrams
I can use circuit symbols to represent components in a simple circuit diagram.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Circuit symbols are small images that represent different electrical components.
- Circuit symbols allow everybody in the world to understand how a circuit is made.
- Circuit diagrams show how the components in a circuit are connected together.
Keywords
Circuit - An electrical circuit is a closed loop or path that electricity can flow through to make a component work.
Component - A component is a device in a circuit that has a specific function.
Circuit symbol - A circuit symbol is a simple picture or shape used to represent a component in a circuit diagram.
Circuit diagram - A circuit diagram is a pictorial representation of a circuit.
Common misconception
Pupils may think circuit diagrams should be drawn in 3D or that they are maps of circuits, drawn to scale with wobbly lines like roads on a map.
Pupils will be taught to draw and interpret circuit symbols and diagrams and will practice doing so.
To help you plan your year 6 science lesson on: Circuit symbols and diagrams, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 6 science lesson on: Circuit symbols and diagrams, 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 Changing circuits unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Equipment for simple circuits: cells, wires, switches, buzzers, light bulbs and motor.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
