Electrical sensors: make and review (non-statutory) | Science

Starter quiz

A ______ is a device which detects changes in things like light, temperature, motion, sound or pressure.
- 'sensor' ✓
Match the type of sensor to what it detects.
- motion
  
  ⇔
  
  movement ✓
- moisture
  
  ⇔
  
  liquids, like water ✓
Which of the following is a fire alarm likely to sense?
- sound
- heat ✓
- smoke ✓
- pressure
Which of the following tasks would an engineer do?
- measure the length and height of buildings
- deliver materials to a lab
- design, test and build things to solve real–world problems ✓
- repair problems with electrical circuits
Which of the following types of sensors would you use to monitor whether the water level in a tank was high enough?
- pressure
- moisture ✓
- heat
- sound
Which component do sensors control within an electrical circuit?
- 'switches' ✓

Exit quiz

How do engineers make our lives easier?
- They treat our illnesses to make us healthier.
- They take ideas from paper to invent, design and build things that matter. ✓
- They help us learn about new ideas and scientific concepts.
Where do we need to follow strict safety rules when using electrical components and appliances?
- near soil
- near heat
- near air
- near water ✓
Why are strict safety rules needed when you use electrical components near water?
- Because components get too cold if they get wet.
- Because minerals in water are electrical conductors. ✓
- Because electricity can dry water up.
Which of the following are rules linked to electrical safety and water?
- Do not use normal electrical appliances in the bathroom. ✓
- Do not use electrical appliances in the kitchen.
- Do not use electrical equipment with wet hands. ✓
- Do not dry your hands before using electrical equipment.
Why do scientists sometimes have to think creatively?
- To come up with engaging drawings for their reports.
- To choose how to present their results dramatically.
- To explain how things work. ✓
Complete the sentence: Trial and error is when ...
- someone goes to court for a crime they have committed.
- we keep trying and learn from the mistakes we make until we get it right. ✓
- we keep making the same mistakes with our inventions.

Worksheet

Loading worksheet ...

Presentation

Loading presentation ...

Lesson Details

Key learning points

Engineers generate ideas to invent, design, and build objects that matter to improve our lives.
Strict safety rules must be followed when using electrical components near to water.
Science is about thinking creatively to try to explain how things work.
Trial and error is when you try different ways to solve a problem and learn from your mistakes.

Common misconception

For safety reasons, electrical circuits are never used in systems or appliances which involve or are used near water.

Slides will discuss how engineers plan for the safe use of some electrical appliances near or with water. Children will design their own circuit to be used near water.

Keywords

Design - To design something is to make a plan and a drawing describing how it could be built.
Detect - To detect something is to discover or notice it.
Sensor - Sensors are devices that can detect and monitor changes.
Trial and error - Trial and error is trying different ways to solve a problem and learning from your mistakes until you find a method that works.
Evaluate - To evaluate is to think about what you did and suggest any changes or improvements.