Key Stage 2

Science KS 2 Unit 4F Circuits and conductors

This unit builds on children's previous practical experience of making circuits and extends their understanding of circuits, conductors and insulators and the need for a complete circuit in order for a device to work. Children are introduced to ways in which they can vary the current in a circuit. Experimental and investigative work focuses on:

• using ideas about circuits to construct circuits and investigate how they work.
• using results to draw conclusions.

Work in this unit also offers opportunities for children to relate their knowledge about electricity to everyday contexts and to recognise and take action to avoid hazards and risks to themselves

This unit takes approximately 10 hours.

OTHER RESOURCES

• batteries of different voltages, wires, bulbs and/or buzzers
• video or other secondary sources to show hazards of mains electricity
• samples of materials that are good conductors of electricity and those which are insulators
• collection of plugs, wires, cables used in circuits in the home
• electrical devices with switches