1. Series and Parallel Circuits

2. Objectives: ● To learn what an electrical circuit is ● To find out the differences between series circuits and parallel circuits ● To identify if a circuit will work i.e. whether or not the circuit is complete. ● To draw the Lion Light using the correct scientific symbols

3. What is a circuit? ● A circuit is a pathway that allows electricity to travel between electrical components. ● A circuit always needs a power source, such as a battery. ● A circuit must always be complete and allow the electricity to flow to and from the battery in a continuous loop.

4. There are two types of electrical circuits: Parallel Circuit Series Circuit

5. A series circuit is connected together in a continuous loop. The electricity has one single path to follow. If one of the bulbs in the circuit breaks, then the other bulb will not work either.

6. Parallel Circuit A parallel circuit is two or more ‘loops’ connected together. The electricity can travel around multiple paths. So if one of the bulbs breaks, then the bulb in the other loop will still work.

7. You also need to use straight lines when drawing electrical wires (always use a ruler). There are scientific symbols that we must use when drawing circuits, below are some examples. Scientific Symbols

8. Series CircuitParallel Circuit

9. Can you think of some examples of parallel and series circuits? Parallel circuits are used everywhere Car headlights Traffic lights Television Remote controlled car Hairdryer Washing machine Series Circuits Fairy lights Torch

10. What kind of circuit should we use to make the Lion Light? Why? We should use a parallel circuit, because… ● If the lights stopped working then the lions would attack the cows. ● Richard doesn’t want to sleep in the cow field anymore, so he has to be sure that the Lion Light will continue to work even if one of the bulbs breaks.

11. Can you draw the Lion Light? Look at Richard’s diagram below.

12. Solar panel Transformer