Making parallel circuits
I can use circuit diagrams to build parallel circuits and draw circuit diagrams of parallel circuits.
Making parallel circuits
I can use circuit diagrams to build parallel circuits and draw circuit diagrams of parallel circuits.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A parallel circuit is a circuit with more than one complete loop, from one end of a battery round to the other end.
- A circuit is built systematically following a circuit diagram, round in one direction, starting from any point.
- A parallel circuit is built systematically, completing each loop of the circuit in turn.
- A circuit diagram is drawn systematically, following each loop round and completing each one in turn.
- Wires in a circuit diagram are drawn with a ruler for clarity, with no tiny gaps that would break the circuit.
Keywords
Series circuit - A series circuit is an electric circuit with one complete loop, from one end of a battery round to the other end.
Complete circuit - A complete circuit is one with no gaps, so electricity is able to flow round the circuit.
Parallel circuit - A parallel circuit is a circuit with more than one complete loop, from one end of a battery round to the other end.
Circuit diagram - A circuit diagram is a simple and clear way of showing the setup and components in an electrical circuit.
Common misconception
Components of a parallel circuit must match the exact layout of a circuit diagram.
Focus on pupils starting at one end of the battery and building each loop up in turn, focusing on putting the connections in the correct order.
To help you plan your year 9 science lesson on: Making parallel circuits, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 9 science lesson on: Making parallel circuits, 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 3 science lessons from the Resistance and parallel circuits unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Electrical leads, batteries, bulbs and holders, switches.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
