All lessons › Electric circuits › Lesson 1
Australian primary science · Year 6 · Lesson 1 of 3
Light the bulb
Inquiry question: What does a bulb need to light up?
Marked no materials needed
Testing ideas
What students learn
A bulb only lights when there is a complete loop (a circuit) from one end of the battery, through the bulb, and back to the other end. Conductors let electricity through; insulators stop it.
Success criteria
- I can explain what a complete circuit is.
- I can sort materials into conductors and insulators using test results.
- I can explain what a switch does.
Preparation and materials
Before this lesson: Students know that torches and toys use batteries.
- iPads with Bottlebrush Education open (nothing else needed) — 13 (one per pair)
- Projector or big screen — 1
Teacher setup
- Open Materials & chemistry › Lab › Light the bulb on your screen to demonstrate.
- Check the iPads are charged and set to Your year › Years 5–6.
Safety and adaptations
Follow school science and equipment risk assessment procedures for the materials used.
Review your school policies and curriculum requirements before teaching.
How to investigate
The lesson sequence should leave pupils with evidence to interpret, not only an activity to finish.
- Pairs open Light the bulb and test every material with the switch open, then closed.
- Record whether the bulb is on, dim or off each time.
- Open Circuit detective, close the switch, make a prediction for each material and use Run test & record.
- When the evidence goal is met, press Explain my evidence and answer: is “only metals conduct” an accurate rule?
Teacher modelling prompt
On the big screen open Light the bulb. Choose Copper and leave the switch open. Think aloud: “The bulb is off. The open switch leaves a gap, so the loop isn’t complete. I predict closing it will light the bulb.” Close the switch, then choose Plastic and ask: “The switch is closed now. Why is it still off?”
Record and explain evidence
Recording question: What does a bulb need to light up?
| Material | Prediction (on or off) | Bulb with switch closed (ON, DIM or OFF) | Conductor or insulator? |
|---|---|---|---|
| ________________ | ________________ | ________________ | ________________ |
Example recording headings; record actual observations, including inconclusive results.
Discussion prompt
Use one result from Light the bulb to decide who is right.
Check understanding
What should pupils know? What is a complete circuit?
Explain with evidence: The switch is closed, but the bulb is off. Give a reason, using a result from today.
Apply the idea: Why are electrical cables made of copper on the inside and plastic on the outside?
Teacher answer guidance and saved classroom work are available through the main lesson experience where supported.