Summary

Discuss with the pupils their understanding of electrical circuits.

Elicit from the pupils that a torch circuit must have a power source (battery), wires and a bulb and that they must be connected correctly.

Show the pupils the diagram and ask them to suggest any problems in making the device. How will it all stay together?

Suitable for

Year 4 or 5

Using a non-interactive whiteboard

A teacher should discuss how a torch is put together and why making a torch can be difficult.

Ask the pupils to label a partially constructed diagram.

Prior learning required

Pupils should have learnt about electrical circuits and created their own versions.

Aims and objectives

Pupils should be able to:

• identify common features of battery-operated torches
• describe what problems can occur in building a torch
• describe how battery torches work

Timings

Teachers should discuss with pupils how a torch works and how the diagram may be different from commercially available torches, ie do they use wires, how do they hold the bulb, what is the switching mechanism?

The assembling and reassembling could take as little as 10 minutes but it is expected that teachers and pupils will need to question and discuss how torches and circuits work - this could take as much as 25 minutes.

Suggestions for group activities

Pupils should try and partially disassemble and reassemble torches they have brought in. Make sure that they do not have to be returned in perfect condition as not all pupils are able to reconstruct their torches if they have brought them from home.

Ask them to draw pictures of their torch and to identify the components shown in the diagrams.

Pupils should think about how they are going to keep the connections together on their own designs. The spring and bulb connections are particularly fiddly.

Suggestions for differentiation

Some pupils will need help in understanding how the switch will work.

Less able pupils should have a torch nearby to compare with the onscreen version.

Further activities

Some pupils could progress further and design and make their own torch either individually or in groups.

Here are some further ideas from the web.

www.gwydir.demon.co.uk/jo/elect/index.htm
This is a simple internet circuit tester. Add the components and check to see if the circuit is complete.

www.data.org.uk/curr_focus/DATA HELP SHEET 4E.pdf
A PDF published by the Design and Technology Association. This one seems to be the only free one and it happens to be on lights and circuits.

Curriculum links

KS1 Design and technology: focus statement

At Key stage 1, pupils should be taught to work with a limited range of tools and materials to make simple products. They explore how familiar products work and communicate their ideas as they work.