New
New
Year 4

Building simple circuits

I can build a simple series electrical circuit.

New
New
Year 4

Building simple circuits

I can build a simple series electrical circuit.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. A complete electrical circuit is made when all components are connected together correctly.
  2. Wires must be connected to the positive and negative end of the battery in a complete loop.
  3. A series circuit is when all the components are in the same loop.
  4. Scientists try out different ideas in order to solve problems.

Common misconception

Misconceptions associated with incomplete circuits: one wire to battery; connections to the same end of the battery; wires the wrong way around; not connecting clips to metal.

Children will be taught about the number of wires needed and how to connect to the battery. They will also be given the chance to explore circuit building themselves.

Keywords

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

  • Components - Components are the parts of a circuit.

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

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

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

Encourage children to be systematic when they build circuits, creating simple circuits first, then checking them before adding complexity. There should be an element of trial and error during circuit building whereby children can explore for themselves without immediate adult intervention.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Components for simple electric circuits: cells, wires, bulbs in holders, buzzers and motors.

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 does a cell or battery do in a circuit?
An image in a quiz
light up
connect components
Correct answer: provide power
make a noise
spin round
Q2.
The basic elements of a circuit are called .
Correct Answer: components
Q3.
Which image shows a bulb?
Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
Q4.
Which image shows a buzzer?
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
Q5.
Which image shows a motor?
An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
Q6.
What do wires in a circuit do?
An image in a quiz
stop components from overheating
Correct answer: allow electricity to flow between components
stop the components from moving around

6 Questions

Q1.
A complete electrical circuit is made when all the are connected together correctly.
Correct Answer: components
Q2.
What do scientists do in order to solve problems?
An image in a quiz
they must work with other scientists in a lab
Correct answer: they try out different ideas
they work very quickly
Q3.
Match the component to the description.
Correct Answer:cell,a component which provides power to circuits and has one unit

a component which provides power to circuits and has one unit

Correct Answer:battery,a component which provides power and has more than one unit

a component which provides power and has more than one unit

Q4.
Which of these components is a device, powered by electricity?
Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
Q5.
In a circuit how should the wires be connected to the cell?
both wires on the negative end
both wires on the positive end
one wire on either the negative or positive end
Correct answer: one wire on the positive end and one on the negative end
Q6.
What do you call a circuit where all the components are connected together in the same loop?
An image in a quiz
single circuit
Correct answer: series circuit
cereal circuit

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