New
New
Year 6

Circuit symbols and diagrams

I can use circuit symbols to represent components in a simple circuit diagram.

New
New
Year 6

Circuit symbols and diagrams

I can use circuit symbols to represent components in a simple circuit diagram.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Circuit symbols are small images that represent different electrical components.
  2. Circuit symbols allow everybody in the world to understand how a circuit is made.
  3. Circuit diagrams show how the components in a circuit are connected together.

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.

Keywords

  • Circuit - An electrical circuit is a closed loop or path that electricity can flow around to make something 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.

Encourage pupils to take pride in their circuit diagrams, always using a ruler and a sharp pencil, and emphasise that this increases the chances of other scientists being able to understand them.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Equipment for simple circuits: cells, wires, switches, buzzers, light bulbs and motor.

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - equipment

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is an electrical circuit?
A set of electrical signs telling you which exercises to do.
Correct answer: A closed loop that electricity can flow through to make something work.
An electric light in the shape of a circle.
Q2.
Which of these is an electrical component?
a vacuum cleaner
a wheel
a magnet
Correct answer: a motor
Q3.
What is the name given to the two ends of a cell or battery?
An image in a quiz
Correct answer: terminals
points
poles
conductors
Q4.
Using science language, which image shows a battery?
Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
Q5.
Which terminal is the arrow pointing at in the picture?
An image in a quiz
the positive terminal
Correct answer: the negative terminal
Q6.
Which diagram correctly shows the direction of flow of electricity around the circuit?
Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz

6 Questions

Q1.
Circuit are small images that represent different electrical components.
Correct Answer: symbols
Q2.
Why are circuit symbols used?
An image in a quiz
to make sure everyone uses art as well as science
Correct answer: to allow everyone to understand how a circuit is made
to create engaging instructions
Q3.
Which of these things show how a circuit is connected together?
a circuit symbol
a circuit component
a short circuit
Correct answer: a circuit diagram
a circuit map
Q4.
Which circuit symbol is shown here?
An image in a quiz
a wire
Correct answer: a closed switch
an open switch
a bulb
Q5.
Which circuit symbol is shown here?
An image in a quiz
a bulb
a motor
Correct answer: a buzzer
an open switch
Q6.
Which circuit diagram matches the circuit drawing?
An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz

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