Making Circuits

These diagnostic questions and response activities (contained in the zip file) support students in being able to:

• Build simple circuits from pictures or demonstrations.
• Identify components from their circuit symbols, and draw the circuit symbol for common components.       
• Identify circuit diagrams that represent a series circuit by tracing round the circuit.        
• Interpret circuit diagrams to build series circuits.       
• Use circuit symbols and circuit diagram conventions to draw clear and precise circuit diagrams of electrical circuits.
• Predict if a circuit will work, by tracing the circuit to find out if it is complete.
• Describe how a simple circuit can be used to identify conductors and insulators.
• Describe how a simple circuit can be used to test for faulty components, and trace the circuit through components to identify breaks in the conducting loop.           
• Describe how a switch in a circuit affects the flow of electricity everywhere instantly.
• Explain how to fault find, and fix, a more complicated series circuit without taking it apart.

The resources include details of common misconceptions and a summary of the research upon which the resources are based.

Download the zip file for all the questions and activities.

More resources like this can be found on the BEST webpage:  Best Evidence in Science Teaching