Components in a simple circuit
I can identify and name basic components in a simple electrical circuit.
Components in a simple circuit
I can identify and name basic components in a simple electrical circuit.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Electricity and circuits are just about everywhere and a part of most of our daily lives.
- The basic elements of an electrical circuit are called components.
- A simple electrical circuit has to have an electrical source, such as a battery.
- A simple electrical circuit has to have wires for the electricity to flow through.
- A simple electrical circuit has to have a device, such as a bulb, buzzer or motor, that requires electricity to work.
Keywords
Electrical - An object that is electrical needs electricity to make it work.
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 part in a circuit.
Identify - To identify an object is to be able to name it correctly.
Device - In a circuit, a device is a component that needs electricity for a particular purpose.
Common misconception
Some words have different meanings in day-to-day life compared to their meaning in science (cell, battery and circuit).
Teachings slides will discuss confusion with words circuit, cell and battery.
To help you plan your year 4 science lesson on: Components in a simple circuit, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 4 science lesson on: Components in a simple circuit, 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 Simple electrical circuits unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Although not essential, electrical components may be explored in this lesson to help familiarisation.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
Starter quiz
6 Questions
battery
mains electricity
Exit quiz
6 Questions
