National Curriculum Statutory Requirements
Electrical components 6E3 - use recognised symbols when representing a simple circuit in a diagram
Outstanding Science Year 6 - Electricity - OS6E007
Learning Objective Buzzers create a sound when electricity passes
I can describe the function of electrical through them. The sound can be different
components and match them to their symbols. depending on the type of buzzer.
Me: Teacher: Motors convert electrical power into
mechanical power (movement). They work
Electrical components are the different parts which make by using electromagnets (magnets which
up electrical circuits. Electrical components are made up of are powered by electricity) to move a
different parts and have different functions. Some common magnetic rotor around an axis.
electrical components include switches, bulbs, buzzers,
motors, cells and wires. Cells convert electrical energy into
mechanical energy. They contain two
Switches allow a circuit to be opened or chemical substances that react with each
closed. They work by bridging a gap in the other, a flow of tiny particles called
circuit. When the switch is open, electricity electrons. Electrons flow out of the negative terminal of the
cannot flow around the circuit and the battery and around the electrical circuit, allowing the other
components cannot function. When the components to function.
switch is closed, the circuit is completed and electricity can
flow around it. We use switches to turn devices on and off. Wires consist of to parts - a metal core
and an outer coating. The inner core is
Bulbs contain very thin pieces of wire, called made of metal wire, which conducts
filaments. When electricity passes through the electricity, while the coating is made from
filament, energy is released in the form of light an insulating material such as plastic.
(and heat). The filament is covered by a
transparent glass bulb, which allows the light to Activity
pass through it. Cut out the circuit symbols, diagrams and descriptions on the
following page and paste them in their correct positions in
the table. For an added challenge, write your own
descriptions.
© Minerva Education 2016 | OS6E007 - Electrical components p1 | www.outstandingscience.co.uk
This electrical component converts
This electrical component converts
electrical energy into light, though This electrical component converts
electrical energy into kinetic energy
much is lost as heat energy. It electrical energy into sound. Some
(movement). It contains
contains an extremely thin wire called types of this component can create
electromagnets that cause the rotor
a filament. The thin wire presents a music, depending on the voltage and
(moving part) to spin when an
great deal of resistance, converting current which passes through it.
electrical current is supplied.
the electrical energy to heat and light.
This electrical component consists of This electrical component is used to This electrical component converts
a break in the circuit which can be connect other components together chemical energy into electrical
easily opened or closed. When the into a complete circuit. It consist of a energy. It contains two different
break is closed, electrical current metal core, which conducts chemicals which react with each other,
flows around the circuit and allows electricity, and a plastic coating which producing some heat, new chemicals
other components to function. When acts as an electrical insulator and and a flow of electrons. The flow of
opened, the circuit is broken and the prevents the electricity from passing electrons can be put to use to power
components stop functioning. into places where it is unwanted. an electrical circuit.
© Minerva Education 2016 | OS6E007 - Electrical components p2 | www.outstandingscience.co.uk
Switch Motor
Bulb Cell
Buzzer Wire
© Minerva Education 2016 | OS6E007 - Electrical components p3 | www.outstandingscience.co.uk
