Lesson 1: Components and circuits
Revisiting electrical components by learning the standard symbols and relating this to models of a complete circuit.
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Learning objective
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Success criteria
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National curriculum
Cross-curricular links
Before the lesson
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Lesson plan
Before starting this unit, check the children can recall the following key facts from Science, Year 4, Electricity and circuits:
Working safely with electricity includes not inserting metal items into electrical appliances, not using them around water and checking for any damage before use.
An electrical appliance requires a power source, including batteries or mains electricity.
Electrical components include a wire, cell/battery, bulb, switch and buzzer.
A series circuit has only one loop to connect the components.
An electrical circuit needs a complete path for the electrical charge to flow.
A good electrical conductor, such as metal, is a material that lets electrical charge pass through quickly.
A good electrical insulator, such as plastic, is a material that does not easily allow electrical charge to pass through.
Use the Activity: Recap and recall electrical circuits mind map if needed.
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