Summary

This activity allows pupils to investigate simple circuits by dragging circuit components into place to make a working circuit. Examples in this lesson illustrate a bulb, buzzer and motor. The activities form an introduction to practical work exploring circuits. Pupils have an opportunity to experiment with switches to control components in order to find out that a circuit will not work if it is incomplete.

Suitable for

Year 2

Using a non-interactive whiteboard

Activities that require annotation using interactive tools can be replicated using dry wipe markers with the image being projected onto a standard whiteboard. Activities that require objects to be dragged can be completed using a mouse.

Prior learning required

Pupils should have an understanding that some items need electricity to work.

Aims and objectives

Pupils will be introduced to circuits using various components. They should learn that a complete circuit is needed for electricity to flow and make the bulb/buzzer/motor work.

Timings

Each of the first three pages should take approximately five minutes. Interactive whiteboard activity 2 is intended for use with groups as extension work, or as extra teaching material to reinforce the lesson.

Suggestions for group activities

The follow-up activities for this lesson could include a practical activity of making a circuit using simple electrical components. Pupils may also be asked to draw simple circuits that they have made. While working, groups could return to the board to use the follow-up activities on interactive whiteboard activity 2.

Suggestions for differentiation

More able groups can be asked to make circuits using different components - extra wires, simple switches and a combination of bulbs, motors and buzzers. Less able groups could be given a pre-prepared circuit set up, but with a fault so that it does not work (eg an unconnected wire). Pupils can then work out how to fix the circuit and make the bulb work.

Further activities

• Pupils can investigate toys which use electricity to work, eg "Operation" game, Roamer.
• Investigate a working circuit, making it stop and start working.
• Make a DT model which involves electrical components.

Curriculum links

KS1 Science

Physical Processes

Pupils should be taught:

• to construct and explore simple circuits using batteries, wires, bulbs, switches and other circuits
• that electrical circuits will not work if there is a break in the circuit and that a switch in the circuit can be used to control an electrical device