How was it used?

The resource was used to introduce Circuits to a Year 4 class, organising them into thinking partners and later grouping them  to use the circuit equipment.

Pupils found the resource engaging and relevant to the topic.  

The resource was key to developing the pupils’ understanding of the topic.  They had not encountered circuits before and the clear symbols and interactive nature of the resource.

Pupils could see the links between the images and symbols on the whiteboard and used this knowledge to help develop their ideas when it came to using the physical electrical resources that they had.

The teacher used many AfL strategies to question the pupil’s progress.  The resource lends itself well to this by having activities that engage the children from the beginning of the lesson.  

Impact and Outcomes

• Pupils were engaged by the questioning of the teacher.
• The pupils were keen to use the resource and found the layout helpful to be able to share their ideas  
• The step by step approach of the resource aids the teacher to lead the pupils and the teacher can choose to use all or some of the resource according to need.
• Many opportunities are available for the teacher to question the pupils using varying approaches using lower and higher order thinking skills.

Learner Feedback

• The pupils enjoyed the activity.
• They were able to question each other effectively and develop their thinking skills.
• Teacher feedback:  With such a visual, interactive resource it made my job delivering this aspect of science not only easy but enjoyable. The children greatly enjoyed using this resource and have reinforced their work in their science books.

Other Resources

Not making materials, whiteboards, IWB, electrical circuit equipment.

Lesson Learnt

That many teachers need a guide or framework for developing D&T ideas/topics in the class.