Background knowledge

In the circuit ✩
Electricity always flows in a circuit from the negative pole of a battery to its
positive pole. The flow of electricity creates an electric current. Electrical
circuits can be represented by special diagrams. There is a symbol for each
electrical component in a circuit.
+ –
Battery Buzzer

Bulb Motor M
Switch (open and closed) Wire

Science activity
Look at the circuit diagram shown below.
+ _

Label each of the five components shown in the circuit.

Complete the following sentences about the circuit shown above.

The electric current leaves the battery and passes through the .

It then travels through the , next through the ,

and finally passes through the before returning to the battery.

Science investigation
Create a model of a parallel circuit that contains
two bulbs, one motor, and one buzzer. You
might draw the symbols on 3x5 cards and
then arrange them into the circuit. Connect the
circuit with wires.

69

© Dorling Kindersley Limited [2010]

69
Background knowledge
In the circuit ✩
Electricity always flows in a circuit from the negative pole of a battery to its
positive pole. The flow of electricity creates an electric current. Electrical
circuits can be represented by special diagrams. There is a symbol for each
electrical component in a circuit.
+ –
Battery Buzzer

Bulb Motor M
Switch (open and closed) Wire

Science activity
Look at the circuit diagram shown below.

Battery + _ Bulb

Buzzer M Motor
Switch

Label each of the five components shown in the circuit.

Complete the following sentences about the circuit shown above.

The electric current leaves the battery and passes through the bulb .

It then travels through the motor , next through the buzzer ,

and finally passes through the switch , before returning to the battery.

Science investigation
The investigator can make drawings or use the
Internet for pictures. Ask the child to trace the
direction of the circuit. Electricity always moves
from negative to positive.

The investigator can make drawings, use the Internet

for pictures, or trace the
© Dorling onesLimited
Kindersley in this
[2010]book. Ask the

child to trace the direction of the circuit. Electricity