Year 5 - Design and technology
Switches in simple circuits
Pulleys and gears: electric vehicles
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
This unit develops pupils' knowledge of mechanisms through gears and pulleys. By investigating electric vehicles and mechanical and electrical components, pupils will apply their knowledge and understanding by making an electric vehicle.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to make a switch for an electrical circuit.
Key Notes
- A loop of connected electrical components that goes from one side of a cell to the other is called a series circuit.
- When making a series circuit, connect the battery last. Disconnect it first when taking the circuit apart.
- Switches are inputs in electrical circuits.
- Simple switches can be made with split pins, card and paper clips.
- Zinc–carbon cells and batteries are safer to use in schools, as they are less likely to short-circuit.
Vocabulary To Learn
- series circuit: a complete loop that goes from one side of a battery to the other
- zinc-carbon cell: a component that makes electricity using a chemical reaction
- switch: controls the flow of electricity by completing or breaking a circuit
- circuit: a loop of connected electrical components that let electricity flow through them
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- All switches have to be pressed to work.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the lesson in two key points.
A loop of connected electrical components that goes from one side of a cell to the other is called a series circuit. When making a series circuit, connect the battery last. Disconnect it first when taking the circuit apart.
2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'series circuit'
a complete loop that goes from one side of a battery to the other.
3. Correct this common mistake.
Mistake: All switches have to be pressed to work. Correction: Switches control the flow of electricity in a circuit and can be pushed, slid, twisted or pulled.
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