Science

Y4 Science

Key Stage 2

Year 4

Electrical circuits

In this lesson, we will be learning all about static electricity. We will learn how static charges occur and what happens when they are discharged. We will also be exploring how to create our own static charges with a balloon! If you have a balloon at home then you can use it for this lesson. If you don't then don't worry, you will still be able to watch the demonstrations and complete the lesson.

What is static electricity?

In this lesson, we will learn how to build an electrical circuit. We will look at all the different components of an electrical circuit and learn the rules for building them. You will need a piece of paper, a pencil and a ruler for this lesson.

What are the different components in an electrical circuit?

In this lesson, we will be learning how electrical circuits are represented as diagrams. We will learn the symbol for each component and draw our own circuit diagrams. You will need a pencil, a piece of paper and a ruler.

What are circuit diagrams?

In this lesson, we will learn what an electrical conductor and an electrical insulator are. We will conduct an investigation to see which materials are insulators and which are conductors. Finally, we will draw conclusions about the best material to make certain objects from, based on what we have learnt. You will need a piece of paper, a pencil and a ruler.

What are insulators and conductors?

In this lesson, we will be learning about voltmeters and ammeters. We will then investigate what happens when we change the number of cells and lamps in a circuit. We will be writing predictions and conclusions in this lesson. You will need a pencil, a piece of paper and a ruler.

What happens in a circuit when we change the components?

In this lesson, we will learn about mains and battery electricity. We will identify and sort appliances based on whether they are electrical or non-electrical and also whether they are powered by mains or battery electricity. We will explore the idea of a world without electricity.

Key Stage 2, Science, Electrical circuits

What is static electricity?

What are the different components in an electrical circuit?

What are circuit diagrams?

What are insulators and conductors?

What happens in a circuit when we change the components?

How much do we rely on electricity?