Learning objective
Knowledge
- To explain the use of switches in a circuit.
Success criteria
Knowledge
- I can identify the symbol for a
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National curriculum
Science
Electricity
Pupils should be
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Cross-curricular links
Design and technology
Technical
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Before the lesson
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Lesson plan
Recap and recall
Display the Presentation: Circuit symbol bingo and hand out whiteboards and pens (one each). Ask the children to draw a two-by-three grid with a circuit symbol in each box. They will need to choose one to leave out of their grid. Call out the names of the components and allow the children to cross out…
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Adaptive teaching
Pupils needing extra support
Could use pre-prepared components to connect together when building the buzz-wire game; could use a completed example to follow when building the buzz-wire game.
Pupils working at greater depth
Should attempt to independently predict how to draw a circuit diagram for their buzz-wire game; could invent their own game that uses an electrical circuit with a switch; could choose an extension activity relating to circuits and switches from the Resource: Stretch and challenge: Electricity and circuits.
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Assessing progress and understanding
Pupils with secure understanding indicated by: identifying the symbols for open and
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Knowledge outcomes
- I can identify the symbol for an open or closed switch.
- I can predict whether a circuit will work by identifying if the switch is closed.
- I can explain that a switch works by breaking or forming a complete loop in the circuit.
- I can explain some of the uses of switches, such as controlling when appliances are on, keeping us safe around electricity and playing buzzer games.
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Vocabulary definitions
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component
A part of an electrical circuit.
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electrical tape
Tape used to insulate materials that conduct electricity.
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In this unit
Assessment - Science Y3/4 (A): Electricity and circuits
Y3/4 (A): Lesson 1: Using electricity
Y3/4 (A): Lesson 2: Building circuits
Y3/4 (A): Lesson 3: Switching on and off
Y3/4 (A): Lesson 4: Investigating electrical conductors and insulators
Y3/4 (A): Lesson 5: Investigating bulb brightness
Y3/4 (A): Lesson 6: Electrical safety
Maintained by: Kapow Primary team
Last update: 21st March, 2025
