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How switches work
CONCEPTUALRecognise that a switch opens and closes a circuit, controlling whether a lamp lights or a buzzer sounds
Mastery Evidence
- Explain that a closed switch completes the circuit (current flows) and an open switch breaks it (current stops)
- Demonstrate adding a switch to a circuit and using it to control a bulb or buzzer
- Relate the switch concept to everyday switches in the home
Assessment Prompt
“Can [child] explain what happens inside the wall when they flip a light switch — that it completes or breaks the electrical loop?”
Curriculum Standards1 alignment
Y4.Sci.E.4The national curriculum in EnglandFunction of switches in circuits
recognise that a switch opens and closes a circuit and associate this with whether or not a lamp lights in a simple series circuit
Science · Key Stage 2
Prerequisites1
- Will the bulb light up?hardAges 8—9
Show full prerequisite tree
- Will the bulb light up? hard
Must understand complete loops before understanding how switches open/close them
Unlocks1
- More batteries, brighter bulbhardAges 10—11