Electricity & magnetism

Science

Primary

A KS2 science resource about the the way electricity works

This Key Stage 2 classroom resource gives pupils the opportunity to explore the different ways electricity can be used, using a theatre as the setting. Filmed in Watford Palace Theatre, this short video investigates the different objects in the building which rely on electricity to work. Throughout the video the class will be asked "what is the electricity doing?". This lesson starter video is part of the Lesson Planning Pack on electricity for KS2 science, which includes two lesson starters, one great lesson idea and a CPD discussion.

How Electricity is Used

Introducing circuit diagrams at Key Stage 2

Year 6 teacher Zoe Lowe introduces electric circuits to her class, using innovative role-playing exercises to underpin the transition from symbolic diagrams to circuit boards. Zoe's lesson begins with a card-matching exercise to assess what pupils know about circuit symbols. A role-play is used to demonstrate current flow and how a light bulb is energised. The children then draw circuit symbols to consolidate their understanding. Next, pupils work in pairs with Worcester circuit boards, batteries and lamps to place their theoretical knowledge in a physical context. Key points: Matching circuit diagrams to actual components is often a source of confusion Using whiteboards to draw circuit diagrams allows the teacher to rapidly assess pupils' understanding Role-play is effective in demonstrating how current only flows through a closed circuit

KS2 Science - Electricity: Circuits

A primary teacher introducing circuits analyses her lesson

Year 6 teacher Zoe Lowe talks to science inspector Steve Davies about the methods she uses when introducing her class to electric circuits for the first time. They agree using paired discussion to encourage her pupils to analyse their circuit diagrams was very successful and that role-play is effective in helping her pupils visualise complete and incomplete circuits. Steve says Zoe's decision to allow her pupils to formulate the lesson's objectives encouraged group participation and brought the class together. Key messages: <ul> <li>Allow students to formulate their own learning objectives</li> <li>Check carefully to see that all students have understood how to draw circuit diagrams</li> <li>Reinforce the correlation between diagram symbols and actual components</li> </ul>

KS2 Science - Electricity: Lesson Review

Assessing three resources for teaching electricity at primary

In this edition of Resource Review, three resources to help with teaching about electricity at primary level are explored. Expert Julia Terbunja, Primary Consultant for the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, recommends: <ul> <li>Understanding Electricity Class Set</li> <li>Bright Sparks workshop</li> <li>Learningcircuits.co.uk</li> </ul> Julia and presenter Hermione Cockburn are joined in the studio by panellists Keith Fox, headteacher at St John's Walworth Primary School in the London Borough of Southwark. Also on the panel is Dave Smith, ICT consultant and curriculum advisor for the Havering Inspection and Advisory Service. &nbsp; Out of the studio, our roving reporter, Matthew Tosh, is out and about to see a couple of the resources in action.

Primary Science: Electricity

CPD training for primary teachers on teaching electricity

This CPD resource for science teachers, looks at what works well and what is difficult, about teaching electricity at primary. Rosemary Feasey, primary maths consultant, Tracy Stuart, Year 5 teacher and Anne Fitzpatrick, science co-ordinator at Ripple Primary school in Barking, discuss what worked well in the Tracy?s lesson on becoming an Apprentice Electrician. They then discuss some of the difficulties teachers have in teaching electricity as well as talking about Personal Capabilities in Science, the skills that make scientists. This video is part of the Lesson Planning Pack on electricity for KS2 science, which includes two lesson starters, one great lesson idea and a CPD discussion.

Problem-solving with Electricity

Ways of introducing abstract science topics to Year 6

Have you ever wondered how to bring a planet into the classroom, or switch your class on to electricity? This programme shows how two teachers have used their interactive whiteboards differently to engage their Year 6 classes in abstract science topics. Jane Chalmers has her pupils visualising the solar system through animations, while Ally Goff uses virtual circuits to discuss electricity with her whole class.

Science: Electricity and Planets

A Year 4 science lesson-planning idea on electricity

An engaging, lesson-planning idea for an active primary science lesson where pupils solve problems using their current understanding of electricity. Tracy Stuart, Year 4 teacher at Ripple Primary School in Barking, presents her lesson on becoming an apprentice electrician. Working in groups and using their electrician?s toolbox, the pupils have to perform a variety of timed tasks in order to receive their certificate. Tasks include making a circuit with a light in it, making a circuit with a buzzer and making a circuit with two lights. Once these tasks have been successfully accomplished the groups are then asked to design and build a burglar alarm. This video is part of the Lesson Planning Pack on electricity for KS2 science, which includes two lesson starters, one great lesson idea and a CPD discussion.

The Apprentice Electrician

A KS2 science resource about using electricity in the home

This primary science resource for Key Stage 2 pupils is designed to get children thinking about what items in our homes use electricity. Heather is late for work so her friend Jason kindly offers to make her breakfast. But how many things does Jason use, or does Heather need, that require electricity to work? This lesson starter video is part of the Lesson Planning Pack on electricity for KS2 science, which includes two lesson starters, one great lesson idea and a CPD discussion.

Professional Development for Quality Teaching

Subjects

> Primary Science

> Electricity & magnetism