| Method |
Precise Learning Objective |
Linked |
Question / Activity
(Designed for maximum working out) |
Stepping Stones |
Pitstop Check
(Thinking Map) |
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There are two ways of joining electrical components, in series and in
parallel. Some circuits include both series and parallel parts. |
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Name the two different types of circuit that can be used to join electrical components together? |
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Students should be able to explain the design and use of dc series circuits for measurement and testing purposes |
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What do we use dc series circuits for? use students to demonstrate the difference between series and parallel circuits (ensure students hold hands/wrists with skin contact to make it work. first show a circle for series and then add in students to create a parallel - listen to the change in the sound then add a second ball in. |
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A charged object creates an electric field around itself. |
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What is created in the area around a charged object? Demonstrate static electricity using the Van de Graaf generator. |
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For components connected in series:
? there is the same current through each component
? the total potential difference of the power supply is shared between the components
? the total resistance of two components is the sum of the resistance of each component. Rtotal = R1 R2 |
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Describe how:
a) Current
b) Potential difference
c) Total resistance
Varies between components connected in series. Investigate PD, current and resistance through series and parallel circuits.
1. Make a simple circuit containing a switch, power supply and a lamp
2. Add more lamps – both in series and then in parallel
3. Note the effect on the brightness of the lamps.
Current through, and potential difference across, each lamp can be measured to get numerical values and see the effect of adding more lamps. |
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Students should be able to calculate the currents, potential differences and resistances in dc series circuits |
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What is the current if the potential difference is 12V and the resistance is 4Ohms? Investigate how the current in each loop of a parallel circuit compares to the current in the main branch of the circuit |
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For components connected in parallel:
? the potential difference across each component is the same
? the total current through the whole circuit is the sum of the currents through the separate components
? the total resistance of two resistors is less than the resistance of the smallest individual resistor.
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Describe how:
a) current
b) potential difference
c) total resistance
varies between components connected in
parallel circuits? |
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When two electrically charged objects are brought close together they exert a force on each other. |
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What happens when two electically charged objects are brought close together? |
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Students should be able to use circuit diagrams to construct and check series and parallel circuits that include a variety of common circuit components
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Why are decorative lights for Christmas trees connected in parallel and not series? |
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Students should be able to describe the difference between series and parallel circuits |
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Students should be able to solve problems for circuits which include resistors in series using the concept of equivalent resistance. |
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In what two ways can Ohms law be applied to a circuit? |
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Students should be able to explain qualitatively why adding resistors in series increases the total resistance whilst adding resistors in parallel decreases the total resistance
Students are not required to calculate the total resistance of two
resistors joined in parallel. |
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Why does adding resistors in series increase the total resistance, whilst adding resistors in parallel decreases the total resistance? |
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