Electrical Circuits and Components
Year 6
Unit Overview
In this Science unit, we will learn all about electrical circuits, their components and how they function. By the end of the unit, we will be able to recognise how the voltage of cells affects the output of a circuit and record circuits using standard symbols.
We will learn how a lamp, cell, wire and switch work together to make a circuit and make a range of circuits and use symbols to draw circuit diagrams. We will learn about electric currents and measure the voltage of different cells.
We will investigate how cells produce electricity and answer research questions about cells and batteries. We will also learn how the voltage across a circuit affects the performance of different components.
Through exploring how programmable devices are used in everyday life, we will create a program to switch a light on and off via a light sensor.
❇ MEMORABLE MOMENT
Competing with our friends to create exciting circuits using a range of scientific equipment in teams.
️✏️ WRITING OPPORTUNITIES
Writing a full experiment: Big question, prediction, equipment, method, results and conclusion.
🌳 LEARNING OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
Electrical safety in the home. Applying your learning in your home and teaching your family members.
Unit Sequence: Learning Intentions
How do you draw and construct series circuits?
To use recognised symbols when representing a simple circuit in a diagram.
How do you know if a circuit is complete? Observing over time.
To use recognised symbols when representing a simple circuit in a diagram.
What happens to the current when components are added to a circuit? (2 lessons) Pattern seeking and Comparative testing.
Compare and give reasons for variations in how components function, including the brightness of bulbs, the loudness of buzzers and the on/off position of switches.
Associate the brightness of a lamp or the volume of a buzzer with the number and voltage of cells used in the circuit.
What are the steps for planning and carrying out an investigation? Comparative testing and pattern seeking.
Compare and give reasons for variations in how components function, including the brightness of bulbs, the loudness of buzzers and the on/off position of switches.
How do you evaluate an investigation? Researching secondary sources, pattern seeking.
Associate the brightness of a lamp or the volume of a buzzer with the number and voltage of cells used in the circuit.
Working scientifically
Recording data and results of increasing complexity using scientific diagrams and labels, classification keys, tables, scatter graphs, bar and line graphs.
Reporting and presenting findings from enquiries, including conclusions, causal relationships and explanations of and a degree of trust in results, in oral and written forms such as displays and other presentations.
Planning different types of scientific enquiries to answer questions, including recognising and controlling variables where necessary.
Taking measurements, using a range of scientific equipment, with increasing accuracy and precision, taking repeat readings when appropriate.
Using test results to make predictions to set up further comparative and fair tests.
🏁 BIG FINISH
Create a full electrical investigation in to how electricity travels. Using all of the knowledge from the unit, we will use a range of complex equipment to create a fantastic circuit.
📖 FOCUS TEXT(S)
The Stars beneath our Feet by David Barclay Moore
Electricity, DK Find Out.