Measuring Density Physics Required Practical Workbook with ClassAdapt Science Simulations

A 24-page printable workbook that takes pupils through the GCSE Physics I–V characteristics required practical one small step at a time. Pupils build one circuit and use it to test three components: a fixed resistor, a filament lamp and a diode. It’s built for pupils who need more structure, with short sentences, a 7-step tick-box method, tables to fill in, word banks and sentence starters throughout.

Includes free lifetime access to two ClassAdapt simulations:

1. ClassAdapt Simulation of I–V Characteristics: the full practical on screen.

2. ClassAdapt Simulation of Parallel Circuit: pupils explore how current and potential difference behave in parallel branches.

What’s inside

Hook (p3): Why does a 15 W LED bulb give more light than a 60 W filament bulb? Pupils come back to the answer once they’ve seen the lamp’s graph bend.

How to use the simulation (p4): A one-page guide to the Adapt settings.

Seven steps (p5): One method that works for all three components, with a key fact on why pupils should read quickly and then open the switch.

Plan the circuit (p6): Pupils trace all seven leads and record what each one joins.

Series or parallel? (p7): A tick-box activity on where the ammeter and voltmeter go, and why.

Results and graphs for each component (pp8–13): Forward and reversed readings, R = V ÷ I for every row, and pre-scaled axes on which pupils plot I against V across all four quadrants.

What do the numbers say? (p14): Pupils use their own results to show that only the resistor has a single fixed resistance.

Read the graph like a physicist (p15): Pupils match each graph shape to its component and its reason, including gradient = 1 ÷ R.

"Who am I?" crossword (pp16–17): Clues on the parts of the circuit, with a word bank for pupils who get stuck.

The variables (p18): Independent, dependent and control variables, plus explanations of why the switch stays open between readings and why the resistor’s temperature has to stay constant.

Conclusion (p19): A supported write-up for each component, using sentence starters and choose-the-word options.

Seven exam-style questions (pp20–21): 18 marks in total, covering method, graph sketching, calculations and explanations.

The answer (p22): Explains the LED bulb’s efficiency and why the filament’s resistance rises as it heats up, linked back to the hook.

Full answer key (p23): Covers every activity, the crossword and the exam questions.

Ideal for: SEND and lower-attaining pupils, catch-up and intervention groups, home learning, cover lessons and revision. It also works for classes that can’t run the real practical safely or don’t have the kit.

Written by a qualified physics teacher, with input from a current GCSE examiner.