Author: Amanda McGarrigle

Science
Electricity

Background Information
In this unit, children will learn about electrical circuits, including the different components and be able to create a simple circuit. Children will be able to identify common insulators and conductors, and understand what these terms mean. Children will be able to deconstruct a torch and identify its different components. From this the children will create their own torches.

In this unit the children will…
Identify common appliances that run on electricity
Construct a simple series electrical circuit, identifying and naming its basic parts, including cells, wires, bulbs, switches and buzzers
Identify whether or not a lamp will light in a simple series circuit, based on whether or not the lamp is part of a complete loop with a battery
Recognise that a switch opens and closes a circuit and associate this with whether or not a lamp lights in a simple series circuit
Recognise some common conductors and insulators, and associate metals with being good conductors.

By the end of this unit….
All children can:
Create a simple circuit.
Identify some of the features of a circuit .
Identify some insulators and conductors.
Identify what objects use electricity.
Identify what form of energy the objects are creating.
Understand most of the key vocabulary.
Most children will:
Create a torch.
Deconstruct a torch.
Identify the key components of a torch.
Design a basic torch and explain why their design has worked.
Identify all components in a simple electrical circuit.
Explain how to create a simple circuit, using basic equipment such as bulbs and crocodile clips.
Understand all of the key vocabulary.
Some children will:
Create a more complex torch including features such as a switch.
Discuss the importance of insulators and conductors, and explain where these are on their torches.

Key Vocabulary
Appliances: fridge, freezer, TV, computer, iron, kettle, etc
Series circuit
Components: battery, bulb (lamp), bulb (lamp) holder, buzzer, crocodile clip, leads, wires, switch
Describing words: brighter, duller, slow, fast, quiet, loud
Conductor, insulator
Effects of electricity: Light, sound, movement, heat
Switches – open, close