New
New
Year 4

Troubleshooting problems with circuits

I can solve problems and improve simple circuits.

New
New
Year 4

Troubleshooting problems with circuits

I can solve problems and improve simple circuits.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. A circuit will not work if it is not part of a complete loop with a battery.
  2. Buzzers only work if they are connected in the correct direction.
  3. To solve problems with circuits, scientists test whether they are connected correctly and whether the components work.
  4. Electricians check if circuits have been built incorrectly and with improper wiring.
  5. When we use electricity and electrical appliances, we need to follow rules to stay safe.

Common misconception

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

Children will be taught how to troubleshoot circuits which are not working to address these misconceptions.

Keywords

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

  • Connectors - Connectors are the places on components where the wires make contact to join it to the rest of the circuit.

  • Electrician - An electrician is an expert in electrical circuits and electricity.

Encourage children to be systematic when troubleshooting problems and to only change one thing at a time. Use a working circuit as a “test circuit” to check components which may not work. Ensure children rebuild problem circuits to include the original fault, before passing them onto another group.
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.
In an electrical circuit, which of these images would be called a cell?
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
Q2.
Why won’t this circuit work?
An image in a quiz
one of the wires is not connected to the bulb
both wires are connected to the bulb holder and not the bulb
Correct answer: there is no cell
Q3.
A electrical circuit is made when all components are connected together correctly.
Correct Answer: complete
Q4.
Which of these images shows a buzzer?
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, a cell, battery, wires and bulb are called...
Correct Answer: components
Q6.
Which of these diagrams shows a complete circuit?
Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz

6 Questions

Q1.
Which of these careers would check if circuits have been built incorrectly and also check for improper wiring?
An image in a quiz
mechanic
scientist
Correct answer: electrician
plumber
Q2.
Which diagram shows a correctly connected cell?
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
Q3.
A circuit will not work if it is not part of a complete loop with a source.
Correct Answer: power
Q4.
Which of these rules should we follow when using electricity and electrical appliances?
Correct answer: Don’t use electrical appliances in bathrooms.
Leave plug sockets on when not in use.
Keep electrical cables bundled up in a big ball.
Correct answer: Make sure your hands are dry if handling electrical appliances.
Q5.
To solve problems with electrical circuits, which of those do scientists do?
Correct answer: test whether the components are connected correctly
Correct answer: test whether the components work
test whether an electrician has made the circuit
Q6.
Which diagram shows a buzzer correctly connected to the circuit?
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz

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