Circuit diagrams

Circuit diagrams

Pencil and paper
Overview
Using this Resource
Connecting to the Curriculum
Marking Student Responses

 

a) Make the circuit drawn above using 2 batteries, 2 lamps, wires, and a switch. Then test it to make sure that:

  • both the lamps glow when the switch is closed, and
  • that if one lamp is unscrewed the other lamp will go out.
b) Now make another circuit so that if one lamp is unscrewed, the other lamp will not go out. Draw a diagram, using circuit symbols, in the box below showing what you did. Label each part.
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

Task administration: 
Equipment
2 lamps (3.7v used in trialling) in holders; 2 batteries (size C); a switch; 6 wires with attached alligator clips.
  • This is an activity for a group of 2-3 children.
  • The circuit in part a) needs to be checked (for correctness) before students attempt part b).
Level:
5
Curriculum info: 
Science, Communicating in science, Physical World
Keywords: 
physics concepts, electricity, circuits, parallel, series, diagrams, symbols
Description of task: 
Using the equipment supplied students make a series circuit according to a circuit diagram. Then students are asked to construct another circuit using different criteria and draw as a circuit diagram.
Curriculum Links: 
Science capabilities
The capabilities focus is brought about by the conversations you have and the questions you ask.
 
Capability: Interpret representations
This resource provides opportunities to discuss circuit diagrams use a particular agreed code for the different elements.
 
 
Science capabilities: 
Interpret representations
Answers/responses: 

a)

Batteries connected positive to negative.
Single loop of components (order does not matter).

b)

Lamps have been put in parallel.
Drawing
A drawing has been completed using correct circuit symbols showing all apparatus and how they are joined.
All circuit components are labelled (wires optional).