The Physical World (physics) unit from our Year 6 New Zealand Curriculum science lesson plan: electrical circuits. Week-by-week lessons for 1, 2, 3 or 4 lessons a week, showing when each pace covers this unit; a dash means that pace is on a different science unit that week. For the full year, see the Year 6 Science lesson plan.
Choose a term, then compare a lighter weekly plan with a more intensive schedule.
| Week | 1 Day/Week | 2 Day/Week | 3 Day/Week | 4 Day/Week |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 3rd week (Physics) | — | — | — | — |
| March 4th week (Physics) | — | — | — | What Is Electricity? 1. Electrical energy as a form of energy |
| Week | 1 Day/Week | 2 Day/Week | 3 Day/Week | 4 Day/Week |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 1st week (Physics) | — | — | — | What Is Electricity? 1. Sources electricity can be generated from (e.g. batteries, solar, wind, the mains grid) 2. Practice: identifying sources of electricity in everyday life Simple Circuits 1. What makes a circuit (a complete, closed loop) 2. Components of a simple circuit (battery, wires, globe/bulb) |
| April 2nd week (Physics) | — | — | — | Simple Circuits 1. Practice: predicting whether a described circuit will work Circuit Components 1. The role of a battery (energy source) in a circuit 2. The role of wires (pathway) in a circuit 3. The role of a switch (opening/closing the circuit) in a circuit |
Each session moves from a clear focus to guided practice and a quick check for understanding.
10 minutes
Start with an everyday question about the week’s topic that links to what your child already knows.
25 minutes
Explain the idea with pictures and simple models, then observe, test or record a small investigation together.
10 minutes
Finish with a short quiz or explain-it-back task that shows what is secure and what to revisit.
Clear, visual lessons on each New Zealand Curriculum physics topic.
Short questions and checks matched to each week’s focus.
Investigation, observation and recording skills built into each unit.
A clear record of what your child has mastered and what comes next.
Tell us how your child is getting on with science at school and we will shape the first lesson around the physics topics they find hardest.