New
New
Year 4

Switches

I can explain how a switch is used to open and close a circuit.

New
New
Year 4

Switches

I can explain how a switch is used to open and close a circuit.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Switches are used to control circuits.
  2. Switches can break a circuit by making a space between components where the electricity cannot flow.
  3. Switches are used to turn bulbs, buzzers and motors on and off.
  4. Different types of switches are used to control many electrical appliances we use everyday.

Common misconception

All electrical appliances and circuits use the same type of switch.

Children will be introduced to a wide range of switches.

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.

  • 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 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.

When they build their own switches, encourage children to work like a scientist by testing a range of approaches before deciding upon their final design.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Equipment for building simple switches: cells, wires, switches, bulbs, buzzers and motors and resources for children to build their own switches.

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.
Who should investigate problems with electricity and electrical appliances?
An image in a quiz
anyone
any adult
a mechanic
Correct answer: an electrician
Q2.
Which of these rules should you follow when using electricity and electrical appliances?
An image in a quiz
Use electrical appliances in bathrooms.
Correct answer: Leave plug sockets off when not in use.
Correct answer: Keep electrical cables tidy.
Keep a drink near appliances to stay hydrated.
Q3.
Why won’t this circuit work?
An image in a quiz
the wires are broken
Correct answer: the wires are both connected to the same end of the cell
the bulb is connected the wrong way round
Q4.
What do you call an electrical circuit where all the components are correctly connected and there are no gaps in the loop?
looped
total
Correct answer: complete
whole
Q5.
What is a device?
a component which supplies power to a circuit
a component which links other components in a circuit
Correct answer: a component that needs electricity to work and is made for a particular purpose
Q6.
Which of these circuits won’t work because the buzzer is connected the wrong way?
A. The positive connector is connected closest to the positive end of the cell.
Correct answer: B. The negative connector is connected closest to the positive end of the cell.
C. Both wires are connected to the same end of the cell.
D. There is no wire connecting the buzzer's negative connector to the cell.
Q1 demarcomedia/Shutterstock

6 Questions

Q1.
are used to control circuits.
Correct Answer: Switches, switches
Q2.
Switches can break by making a space between components where the electricity cannot flow.
An image in a quiz
Correct answer: a circuit
an appliance
a bulb
Q3.
Which of these components could switches turn on and off?
An image in a quiz
cell
wire
Correct answer: bulb
Correct answer: buzzer
Q4.
Which of these are types of switches?
arm
Correct answer: slide
Correct answer: push button
wobble
Q5.
Switches are used to control many electrical we use everyday.
Correct Answer: appliances
Q6.
What types of switch are shown on this clock radio?
An image in a quiz
toggle
Correct answer: slide
reed
push button

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