Series circuits part 1 (AQA GCSE FT)

This lesson introduces series circuits and describes and explains the laws about current and potential difference in these types of circuits, The PowerPoint and accompanying resources have been designed to cover point 2.2 of the AQA GCSE Physics and Combined Science specifications, and are specifically written for those students who will take the foundation tier.

The lesson begins with an activity where the students must recall their knowledge of the symbols and components to reveal the key terms series and parallel. The students will learn that these are different types of circuits and that series circuits have a single path for current flow.

The students are encouraged to set up series circuits including ammeters and voltmeters so they can discover the relationship between the readings on these pieces of equipment in a single path circuit. Several examples are modelled for the students, to encourage them to set out their workings, before exam-style questions will challenge them to apply their understanding. All answers to the questions are embedded into the PowerPoint to allow students to assess their understanding and progress.

As described above, this lesson has been written for foundation tier students and is expected to be covered in a lesson ranging between 45 minutes and an hour. It is the 5th lesson in a series of 12 lessons which have been planned to cover the main content of topic P2.