Switches

Switches

Auto-markingPencil and paperOnline interactive
Overview
Using this Resource
Connecting to the Curriculum
Marking Student Responses
Further Resources
This task is about how switches in a simple circuit work. To do this task you need to know about circuits and be able to read circuit diagrams.

Question

electric circuit          electric circuit

If switches X and Y are open, as shown, which lamps will be lit?

    • None of the lamps

    • Lamp 4 only

    • Lamps 1, 2 and 3

    • All of the lamps

Question

electric circuit diagram

If you want lamps 1 and 2 in this circuit to light up, what position will the switches be in?

    • Both switches open

    • Both switches closed

    • Switch 1 open, switch 2 closed

    • Switch 2 open, switch 1 closed

Question

electric circuit diagram

If you want only lamp 1 to light up, which switches should be open or closed?

    • Switch 1 open and switch 2 open

    • Switch 1 open, switch 2 closed

    • Switch 1 closed, switch 2 open

    • Switch 1 closed, switch 2 closed

Task administration: 
This task can be completed with pencil and paper or online with auto-marking.
Copyright: 
Graphics: Copyright NZCER
Level:
4
Curriculum info: 
Science, Knowledge, Physical World
Keywords: 
physics concepts, electricity, circuits, switches
Description of task: 
Students use circuit diagrams to answer three questions about switches and which lamps will light up.
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
Making Better Sense: 
Circuits
Answers/responses: 
 
Y8 (10/1997)
Y8 (11/2013)

On-line version
a)   None of the lamps moderate moderate
b) i)
ii)		 Both switches closed
Switch 1: closed, Switch 2: open		 moderate
moderate

very easy

easy

 In 2013 an on-line version of this task was developed. In a trial of 25 students, the students found the  second two questions much easier than the 1997 students. However, the trial numbers were much lower, so this could reflect a class effect.