Introduction lesson: understanding electrical systems

In this lesson, we will introduce you to the unit 'Control'. We will explore what electrical systems are and revisit simple circuits. We will explore what inputs, processes and outputs are on an electrical system. This lesson includes some physical activity and equipment beyond pen, paper or pencil. Please make sure your child is adequately supervised.

Introduction lesson: understanding electrical systems

In this lesson, we will introduce you to the unit 'Control'. We will explore what electrical systems are and revisit simple circuits. We will explore what inputs, processes and outputs are on an electrical system. This lesson includes some physical activity and equipment beyond pen, paper or pencil. Please make sure your child is adequately supervised.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. that mechanical and electrical systems have an input, process and output
  2. the correct technical vocabulary for the projects they are undertaking
  3. accurately assemble, join and combine materials and components
  4. use techniques that involve a number of steps

Equipment

Computer / iPad with internet access, construction materials i.e. card, scissors, tape, paper.

Content guidance

  • Equipment requiring safe usage.

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended.

Licence

This content is made available by Oak National Academy Limited and its partners and licensed under Oak’s terms & conditions (Collection 1), except where otherwise stated.

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3 Questions

Q1.
Can you identify a product below that includes an electrical system?
Greetings card
Correct answer: Motorised car
T-shirt
Teddy bear
Q2.
To make a electrical product work it would need to include which one of these items?
Bulb.
Correct answer: Electrical circuit.
Electrical tape.
Material.
Q3.
Can you identify any of the components below that are electrical components?
Axel.
Button.
Correct answer: Motor.
Wheel.

5 Questions

Q1.
What is meant by control technology?
Control technology is a component used in electrical products.
Control technology is an innovative way to present a product.
Correct answer: Control technology is the use of microprocessors that are used to programme and control how an electrical system will work.
Q2.
Can you identify products from below that include the use of control technology? (Tick 2 boxes)
Bike
Chair
Correct answer: Computer
Correct answer: Games console
Q3.
What is meant by the term electrical insulator?
An object or material that is an electrical insulator is one that allows the flow of electrical current to pass through it in all directions.
An object or material that is an electrical insulator is one that creates electricity and power that object or material.
Correct answer: An object or material that is an electrical insulator is one that stops the flow of an electrical current.
Q4.
What is an input on an electrical system?
Correct answer: Component/action in order to get the circuit working.
The component/action that will be activated after process.
Transfer of power from input to output, action taking place between the input and output to make output work.
Q5.
What key component did we use to make a circuit for a product that needs to move?
Battery pack.
Buzzer.
Lamp.
Correct answer: Motor.

Lesson appears in

UnitDesign and technology / Reactions (Control in D&T)

Design and technology