1. Natural Sciences and Technology Grade 6
Term 3: Energy and Change
Electric Circuits

2. Topic 1 Electric Circuits
A simple Circuit
Natural Sciences and Technology - Grade 6

3. Components of a simple circuit
There are 3 components in a simple circuit:
cells/ batteries [the electrical energy source];
bulb [the device that transfers the energy to
provide light];
electric wires [the conducting material].
Natural Sciences and Technology - Grade 6

4. Constructing a simple circuit
Follow these instructions:
First you place your battery sideways.
Place the ends of the two wires down on a
board / desk.
Connect the one end of the electric wire to the
positive [+] side of the battery.
Natural Sciences and Technology - Grade 6

5. Constructing a simple circuit
Follow these instructions (continued):
Connect the other end of the electric wire to the
negative [-] side of the battery.
Connect the ends of the two electric wires to the
bulb. [a bulb holder is optional].
Natural Sciences and Technology - Grade 6

6. Natural Sciences and Technology - Grade 6
A SIMPLE CIRCUIT
Natural Sciences and Technology - Grade 6

7. Natural Sciences and Technology - Grade 6
What happens?
The bulb lights up.
If the bulb does not light up, the pathway for the electricity has not been properly made.
The energy that flows through, is called the electric current.
There is an electric current in the circuit as soon as the bulb lights up.
The electric circuit is a system that transfers energy.
Natural Sciences and Technology - Grade 6