How to make a simple electrical circuit

In this activity pupils will assemble a simple electric circuit. This is a great way for KS2 students to develop an understanding of how electric circuits function.

This free resource could be used in KS2 as an engaging stand-alone activity to introduce circuits, as an introduction to a design and make project (such as the doorbell activity) or as an extension to add a powered element to another design and make activity (such as adding a motor to the ‘cardboard cars’ activity).

This activity will take approximately 50-60 minutes.

Tools/resources required

Projector/Whiteboard
Components:
2 x AA batteries in holder
Electric motor (e.g. 3V 13100 Rpm DC Motor)
3 lengths of wire, each 100-150 mm long (only a single length is required if a battery holder with attached wires is used)
Either: 2 metal split pin fasteners and 1 paper clip per pupil, or one switch per pupil
Sticky tape or electrical insulation tape.
If needed: wire cutters/strippers (to cut excess wire lengths)
(Potential sources for these components include Rapid online and TTS group)

Optional:
Hole punches (ideally single hole punches)
Pre-made models of the circuit, for demonstration

Electrical circuits

An electrical circuit is a group of components that are connected together, typically using wires. The wires are typically copper metal, which is highly conductive, coated with insulating plastic, to prevent electric shocks. The circuit must be continuous (i.e., have no breaks) to allow electricity to flow through the components and back to its source, such as a battery. Switches make a gap in the circuit to stop electricity flowing when they are open. The components included in an electric circuit could range from motors, light sources and buzzers to programmable integrated circuits.

The engineering context

Circuits form the basis of all electrical equipment, ranging from lighting in homes to televisions and computers.

Suggested learning outcomes

By the end of this activity students will be able to construct an electrical switch, they will understand that a complete circuit is required for electricity to flow and they will be able to construct an electrical circuit.

Download the free How to make a simple electrical circuit activity sheet!

All activity sheets, worksheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.

The activity sheet includes teacher notes, guidance, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved UK nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

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