How does electricity work? - Presentation

In the Year 4 science curriculum, pupils are introduced to the exciting world of electricity. They learn to identify everyday appliances that require electricity to function and gain hands-on experience by constructing simple series electrical circuits. The curriculum specifies that students should be able to identify and name the basic parts of a circuit, such as cells, wires, bulbs, switches, and buzzers. Additionally, they learn the importance of a complete loop with a battery for a lamp to light up and how a switch controls this process by opening and closing the circuit. Understanding the difference between conductors and insulators is also a key part of their learning, with a focus on recognising metals as effective conductors of electricity.

The substantive knowledge gained includes being able to construct a series circuit and understanding its components and functions. Students explore the concept of a switch and its role in a circuit, and differentiate between conductors, which allow electrical current to flow, and insulators, which do not. The curriculum encourages practical investigation through fair testing to determine which materials can conduct electricity, and predictive activities to see if a lamp will light within a constructed circuit. Vocabulary such as 'circuit', 'conductor', 'insulator', 'battery', 'cells', and 'appliance' is introduced to help students articulate their understanding of how electricity works and why it is a fundamental part of modern life.