Electrical systems: Doodlers

Pupils who are secure will be able to:

• Identify simple circuit components (battery, bulb and switch) with a basic explanation of their function.
• Explain that a series circuit is assembled in a loop to allow the electricity to flow along one path.
• Describe a motor as a circuit component that changes electrical energy into movement.
• Provide examples of motorised products that use movement to rotate or spin different parts.
• Remove and replace different parts of a Doodler, as part of a team.
• Suggest ways to switch the configuration to amend the form or function of the Doodler.
• Explain, in an investigation report, each of the changes they made and the effect this had on the Doodler’s ability to draw scribbles (function) and appearance (form).
• Develop design criteria with consideration for the target user, the purpose of their Doodler, a key function and the Doodler’s form and final appearance (e.g. fun, bright, soft).
• Explain simply why their Doodler has a certain configuration based on the findings of their investigation (e.g. I used four pens because the Doodler would fall over with two).
• Create a functional Doodler that creates scribbles on paper with or without a switch.
• Identify and list each of the required materials, tools and circuit components required to build a Doodler.
• Explain simply the steps to assemble a Doodler as part of a set of instructions (or storyboard).
• Write instructions to build a functional circuit, explaining how to identify if it is functional or not.
• Provide suggestions to improve a peer’s set of instructions after testing how effective they are at guiding someone.

Science

‘Pupils should be taught to:

• construct a simple series electrical circuit, identifying and naming its basic parts, including cells, wires, bulbs, switches and buzzers’

See National curriculum - Science key stages 1 to 2.

English

‘Pupils should be taught to:

• evaluate and edit by:
  • assessing the effectiveness of their own and others’ writing
  • proposing changes to vocabulary, grammar and punctuation to enhance effects and clarify meaning’

See National curriculum - English key stages 1 to 2.