Lighting It Up Workshop

Workshop objectives:

The general objective of our project is for the children to have fun

and success in completing a specific Design and Technology task.

We encourage them to:

•Enhance their knowledge and understanding in using electrical circuits

•Connect and investigate simple circuits incorporating various electrical

  components

•Draw circuit diagrams using symbols for the components used

•Use the tools and equipment needed for this activity safely

•Extend their making skills to produce an electric quiz game

INFORMATION:

Lighting up is a practical workshop for KS2 children in Years 4-6.

WHERE TO HOLD IT?

Although not absolutely essential, it is preferred to have the use of the hall with sufficient tables for the children to work ideally 2, or if space is limited, 3 to a table (they won’t need chairs).

HELPERS:

As the children will be involved in a lot of making activity, it is essential to have AT LEAST 4 HELPERS (1 helper for every 8 pupils) in addition to the class teacher. Interested parents and governors have proved to be valuable in other schools.

Please note that to satisfy our risk assessment, the designated number of ‘helpers’ must be present for the workshop to go ahead.

WORKSHOP DETAILS

Each workshop needs a minimum of 2¼ hours, so normally two workshops can be fitted into one day.

The class work individually or in pairs and there is no need for any special grouping arrangements.

A typical workshop would have the following elements:

•Introduction to workshop content - 5 mins

•Discussion on electrical circuits, components, conductors and insulators etc. - 10 mins

•Connect and investigate simple circuits - 30 mins

•Draw circuit diagrams using symbols - 10 mins

•Make electric quiz game - 75 mins

•Test and evaluate operation of finished product - 10 mins

•Clear up - 5 mins

COST

The actual cost of a day in your school would be £341 but thanks to sponsorship from the London & SE Branch of the Institute of Physics it can be offered at only £205 per day, including travel expenses. Each day comprises of two workshops with all equipment and materials provided!

Teacher INSET

By arrangement we can offer a twilight session for Teachers (with or without pupil workshops on the same day) and after school club workshops for children.

Equipment and Materials Used - Provided by SETPOINT Herts.

Pencils, Craft Knives, Bulbs, Battery Holders, Rulers, Screwdrivers, Wire, Batteries, Wire Strippers Glue Guns, Correx, Paper Binders, Cutting Mats, Side Cutters, Glue, Crocodile Leads, Cotton Reels, Bulb Holders & Switches

Provided by school:Tables – 1 for every 2 children, plus 2 for glue gun stations, and 1 other.

WORKSHOP DETAILS

1Introduction

Explain to pupils what they will be doing, showing examples of resources used and artefact to be made.

2Group discussion

Question and answer session to reinforce children’s prior learning of electricity.

3Investigation

Building and investigating simple series and parallel circuits incorporating various electrical components.

4Circuit diagrams

Looking at the complexity of drawing circuit diagrams pictorially as opposed to using symbols for the components used.

5Make quiz game

Pupil's to make their electric quiz game (correct, and therefore, safe, use of all tools and equipment will be emphasised throughout the making sessions).

6Test and evaluate

Pupils to test and evaluate operation of finished game and make any necessary modifications.

Curriculum Links:

Design & Technology:

4E (Lighting up) This unit builds on the following QCA units: 4C(Torches), 4D (Alarms), 6C (Fairground), 6D (Controllable vehicles)

Science:

2F (Using electricity), 4F (Circuits and conductors)

SETPOINT is a continuously developing organisation, relying on feedback from schools and teachers to ensure we provide high quality, relevant activities. To help with this, it is important that teachers will take the time to fill in evaluation sheets.

We are always keen to discuss any needs that schools may have.

For more information or to book contact Beryl Boaden on 01438 755075