The position of switches: open and closed
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how a switch is used in a simple circuit.
Key learning points
- Switches play an important role in our lives because they allow us to control the flow of electricity to appliances.
- Switches can turn a circuit off by making a gap so electricity cannot flow.
- Traditional switches work by making a pair of conductors touch each other or separate from each other.
- Engineers have created innovative switches which are sensitive to human touch.
- Switches for simple circuits can be created from a range of everyday conductors and insulators.
Keywords
Switch - A switch is part of an electrical circuit than can stop or allow electricity to flow.
Control variable - Control variables are variables that are kept the same throughout an investigation.
Appliance - An appliance is a device or piece of equipment designed to perform a specific task.
Circuit - An electrical circuit is a closed loop or path that electricity can flow through to make a component work.
Complete - A complete electrical circuit is made when all components are connected together correctly and there are no gaps in the circuit.
Common misconception
All electrical appliances and circuits use the same type of switch.
Pupils will be introduced to a wide range of switches.
Teacher tip
When they build their own switches, encourage pupils to work like a scientist by testing a range of approaches before deciding upon their final design.
Equipment
A range of items that could be used to make an innovative switch as well as components to build simple circuits.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - equipment
Risk assessment required - equipment
Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a switch?
Q2.When a circuit is , all of the components are correctly connected and there are no gaps.
Q3.What does a light sensor do?
Q4.Match the measurement to the unit.
Q5.How does voltage affect the brightness of a bulb?
Q6.How does changing the position of a buzzer in a circuit affect its volume?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1. are used to control circuits.
Q2.Would electricity flow around the circuit shown?
Q3.True or false? Switches for simple circuits can only be bought from shops as they are too complicated to make.
Q4.Switches break a circuit by making a gap in the circuit where cannot flow.
Q5.Which of the following happens when a traditional switch is closed?
Q6.How are switches on smart phones and tablets triggered?
To help you plan your 6 science lesson on: The position of switches: open and closed, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 science lesson on: The position of switches: open and closed, 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 primary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.