Science·Energy·procedural
Building a simple circuit
Construct a simple series electrical circuit, identifying and naming its basic parts: cells, wires, bulbs, switches, and buzzers
Suggested ages 8–9
Learning journey
Your child is discovering how electricity works — building simple circuits with batteries and bulbs, understanding how switches control electrical flow, and learning which materials conduct electricity and which don't.
Evidence of understanding
- Build a complete series circuit that lights a bulb or sounds a buzzer
- Name each component: cell (battery), wire, bulb, switch, buzzer
- Explain the role of each component in making the circuit work
Assessment prompt
Can Building a simple circuit build a working circuit with a battery, wires, and a light bulb, and name each part they're using?
Standards alignment
Y4.Sci.E.2GB · uk-nc-2013
Constructing simple series circuits
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 2