Electrical components
A circuit will always have a battery (cell) as well as other components. Components such as bulbs, buzzers, switches and motors, need a battery in order to work.
Video: Constructing an intruder alarm
Follow along and learn to construct a circuit.
You've got some seriously cool stuff here, Frank.
If we’re putting this Sandwich Intruder Alarm together, we’re going to need a diagram!
Sweet.
Each of these symbols are different electrical parts.
We just need to arrange them in to a circuit!
First we need power, man – this symbol here is a cell, or battery.
That one’s a motor – we don’t need that one.
But that’s a light bulb – we can use that.
Let’s finish off with the buzzer, to make some noise!
But we need the power to flooowww – let’s join it all up with wires.
Don’t forget the switch – we’ll set it up so if someone treads on it, the switch will close, setting off our alarm!
Let’s check it out!
±·ľ±ľ±ľ±ľ±ł¦±đ…
Frank! Someone’s stealing the sandwich!
Frank!?.. Frank?
Aww man…
Drawing circuit symbols
When drawing circuit diagrams, rather than drawing detailed components, we use simple symbols to represent the different components.
Activities
Activity 1: Identifying circuit symbols
Activity 2: Circuit symbols quiz
Activity 3: Drawing series circuits
Practise drawing the following series circuits using symbols:
- A simple circuit with a bulb and battery.
- A series circuit where the bulb doesn't light up.
- A circuit with three batteries, a bulb and a buzzer.
Challenge: Can you design a circuit for traffic lights?
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