Science KS 2 Unit 6G Changing circuits (short unit)

This unit is designed to revise concepts to which children have been introduced in Year 2 and Year 4. The unit consolidates children's knowledge of materials which are electrical conductors, extends understanding of ways in which the brightness of bulbs or speed of motors in a circuit can be changed and develops children's understanding of the value of using conventional symbols for communication.

This unit provides opportunities for children to carry out a complete investigation relating to electric circuits.

Work in this unit also offers opportunities for relating knowledge and understanding of electricity to familiar phenomena

This unit takes approximately 6 hours.

OTHER RESOURCES

• batteries of different voltages, wires, bulbs and/or buzzers for circuit construction
• electric motor
• circuit diagrams of 'real' systems eg household appliances
• diagrams of simple circuits
• fuse wires of different thickness and made from different materials