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Year 6 - Design and technology

Push-to-make switches

Systems and control: sensor alarms

Unit Summary

This unit develops pupils' programming and control knowledge, with a focus on monitoring. Debugging and troubleshooting will be introduced. Pupils will learn how to integrate a BBC Micro:bit in a product and use sensors to program a light display.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to make a push-to-make switch.

Key Notes

  • A push-to-make switch connects the circuit when it is pressed and completes the circuit.
  • Switches can be used in a museum alarm.
  • Switches can activate a signal.
  • A push-to-make switch can be made using cardboard, split pins and aluminium foil.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • series circuit: a loop of connected electrcial components
  • zinc–carbon cell: a component that makes electricity using a chemical reaction
  • push-to-make switch: controls a circuit by pushing the connection together

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • There is only one type of switch.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the lesson in two key points.

A push-to-make switch connects the circuit when it is pressed and completes the circuit. Switches can be used in a museum alarm.

2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'series circuit'

a loop of connected electrcial components.

3. Correct this common mistake.

Mistake: There is only one type of switch. Correction: Switches break the electrical flow of a circuit but they can be activated in different ways - they can be pushed, slid, twisted or pulled.

More Lessons In This Unit

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