Measuring current and voltage in series and parallel circuits – the two action packed animated PowerPoints in this resource for middle school science demonstrate and explain where to place the ammeter and voltmeter respectively in each type of circuit and then provide sample sets of results to enable students to draw conclusions. Students will also practice drawing circuit diagrams from descriptions and designing results tables. Ultimately students will be able to calculate unknown currents and voltages using given currents and voltages on circuit diagrams.

With 15 printables for each lesson, teachers can select resources to take account of the ability of their students and time available if they so wish. A one page lesson plan flow chart shows where logical choices between resources can be made.

What it covers

• Current is measured in amps (A).
• Ammeters measure current.
• An ammeter is placed in series with the component whose current is being measured.
• The current is the same at all points in a series circuit.
• The current in all the branches of a parallel circuit add up to the current leaving/returning to the battery.
• Working out the unknown current from a circuit diagram. Voltage is measured in volts (v).
• Voltmeters measure voltage.
• A voltmeter is placed in parallel in a circuit across the ends of the component whose voltage is being measured.
• The voltages across all the components in a series circuit add up to the voltage across the battery.
• The voltage across any component in a parallel circuit is the same as the voltage across the battery
• Working out the unknown voltage from a circuit diagram.
• Practice in drawing circuit diagrams from descriptions
• Practice in designing results tables.

Resources Provided

• 2 Animated 11 PowerPoints which include exit ticket /plenary quiz
• 2 Anticipation guide
• 2 Flip Its
• 2 sets of Taboo Cards
• 2 Worksheets for practical
• 2 Fact sheets
• 2 Foldables
• Fact Share Worksheets
• Exit ticket template
• ABC card template
• 5 Differentiated homework/classwork worksheets
• 2 one-page flow chart lesson plan
• 2 PowerPoints with answers /detailed mark schemes for homework/classwork sheets-pupils of all abilities can self-assess or peer assess.

Link to distance learning and homeschool version

Current and Voltage in Series and Parallel

hemes for homework/classwork sheets-pupils of all abilities can self-assess or peer assess.

Click here for more resources on electricity for middle school

Why not visit my store?

Elf Off the Shelf Resources

Gain credits for yourself towards other purchases.

Go to My Purchases page and use the Provide Feedback button to leave a review.