Switching on the bulbs

Switching on the bulbs

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Overview
Connecting to the Curriculum
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Further Resources
This task is about switches in a simple electric circuit.
circuit diagram with two switches and one lamp
Look at the electric circuit that has been set up above.

Question

circuit diagram with two switches and one lamp

a)  If Switch A and Switch B are both turned off, the bulb will be ...

    • glowing

    • not glowing

Question

circuit diagram with two switches and one lamp
b)  If Switch A is turned on and Switch B is turned off, the bulb will be ...

    • glowing

    • not glowing

Question

circuit diagram with two switches and one lamp
c)  If Switch A is turned off and Switch B is turned on, the bulb will be ...

    • glowing

    • not glowing

Question

circuit diagram with two switches and one lamp
d)  If both switches are turned on, the bulb will be ...

    • glowing

    • not glowing

Level:
4
Curriculum info: 
Science, Communicating in science, Physical World
Keywords: 
physical inquiry, energy, electricity, circuits, switches, circuit diagrams
Description of task: 
Students interpret a circuit diagram to decide whether a bulb will glow with different settings of two switches.
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 the science conventions for electricity diagrams and the evidence provided in a diagram that can be used to make inferences.
Science capabilities: 
Interpret representations
Making Better Sense: 
Circuits
Answers/responses: 
 

Y8 (11/2001)
Y8 (11/2013)
Online version
a)
b)
c)
d)		 not glowing
glowing
glowing
glowing		 2 correct - moderate
 
1 correct - very easy		 Most students could complete the first and the last questions, but the middle two were more difficult.

 

 

Diagnostic and formative information: 

If students get incorrect answers for the middle two questions, check:

  • Do they understand that there are three possible circuits?
  • Do they realise that the function of a switch is to break/join a circuit?

 

 

Next steps: 

Get students to build and try the circuits drawn.

Explain why or why not the bulbs light up in each example.