Fixing faulty circuits
I can describe how a simple test circuit can be built and use it to test for faulty components, and find faults in a conducting circuit loop.
Fixing faulty circuits
I can describe how a simple test circuit can be built and use it to test for faulty components, and find faults in a conducting circuit loop.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The path current flows through a filament bulb can be traced, from one connection and through the filament to another.
- In a faulty filament bulb, the filament is broken and current cannot flow through it.
- A circuit is not complete if there are any breaks in the circuit or hidden in faulty wires or components .
- A wire or component can be tested by putting it into a simple circuit with a battery and bulb.
- A circuit with one faulty component will work if a wire is used to bypass the faulty component.
Keywords
Filament - The thin metal wire inside some light bulbs is called a filament. When it gets hot it glows and emits light.
Faulty component - A faulty component is one that is damaged or isn't conducting electricity properly.
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 where there are no gaps so electricity is able to flow round the circuit.
Test circuit - A test circuit is used to check if a component (or other circuit) is allowing electricity to flow through.
Common misconception
Pupils need to understand that there has to be a closed loop of conducting material, from one end of the battery or power supply, through the device and back to the battery.
Pupils should test a faulty circuit in a systematic way, e.g. starting at one point in the circuit and moving from component to component in order, going clockwise or anti-clockwise from that point.
To help you plan your year 8 science lesson on: Fixing faulty circuits, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 8 science lesson on: Fixing faulty 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 Series circuits unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
provides the 'push' to send electricity around a circuit.
allows electricity to flow from one component to another.
controls the flow of electricity.
spins when electricity flows through it.
emits light when electricity flows through it.
makes a sound when electricity flows through it.
Exit quiz
6 Questions
