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Circuits - Printable Science Worksheets 5th Grade - Wayground

Circuits

Jeanne Lashus

Created by Jeanne Lashus

12 questions

5th Grade

Science

Updated Oct 2026

Circuits is a Grade 5 science worksheet that builds understanding of open and closed circuits. Students answer 4 multiple-choice questions, complete 7 fill-in-the-blank items, and use 1 dropdown item to define an incomplete or open circuit, identify a complete or closed path, and connect circuit structure to whether a lightbulb is on or off. The questions also reinforce that every circuit needs an energy source and that energy travels through a conductor. This free printable worksheet helps students use precise circuit vocabulary while applying it to switches, breaks, conductors, and circuit examples. It is useful for introducing the difference between complete and incomplete paths, checking understanding after instruction, or reviewing key ideas before an assessment. A complete answer key is included for efficient checking and feedback.

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Circuits

Total questions: 12

Name
Class
Date
1.

What is the definition of an open circuit?

a)
A circuit that has a low voltage
b)
A circuit that has a high resistance
c)
A circuit that is closed
d)

A circuit that is incomplete

2.

What is the definition of a closed circuit?

a)
A closed circuit is a complete and unbroken path for an electric current to flow.
b)

A closed circuit is a circuit that is incomplete.

c)

A closed circuit is a circuit that does not have a power source.

d)

A closed circuit is a path that is open..

3.

In a closed circuit the lightbulb is (a)   .

4.

In an open circuit the lightbulb is

(a)  

5.

A circuit with a ​ (a)   stops energy.

Choose from the below words
break
energy source
copper wires
switch
buzzer
6.

An open circuit is also called a (a)   .

7.

If you have a conductor, energy goes (a)   .

8.

Every circuit must have a

a)
incomplete circuit
b)

energy source

c)
short circuit
d)
open loop
9.

The lightbulb is (a)   in an incomplete circuit.

10.
This is an example of a circuit.

This is an example of a (a)   circuit.

11.
This is an example of an circuit.

This is an example of an (a)   circuit.

12.
What makes this an incomplete or open circuit?

What makes this an incomplete or open circuit?

a)
The circuit is too long
b)
The circuit is too short
c)

The switch is open.

d)
The circuit is too wide
WaygroundAnswer Key

Circuits

Total questions: 12

1.
d)

A circuit that is incomplete

2.
a) A closed circuit is a complete and unbroken path for an electric current to flow.
3.
on
4.
off
5.
break
6.
incomplete circuit
7.
through
8.
b)

energy source

9.
off
10.
complete
11.
incomplete
12.
c)

The switch is open.

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FAQs

What does the Circuits worksheet cover?

This Grade 5 science worksheet focuses on distinguishing open, or incomplete, circuits from closed, or complete and unbroken, circuits. Through multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, and dropdown questions, students connect each type of circuit to whether a lightbulb is off or on, identify the role of a switch and energy source, and recognize that energy travels through a conductor.

How can I use this Circuits worksheet to teach open and closed circuits?

Introduce the idea of a complete path by having students predict whether a bulb will be on or off when a switch is closed or open. Then use the worksheet’s definition and vocabulary items to discuss why an open circuit is incomplete, why a closed circuit allows current to flow, and why every circuit needs an energy source. Finish by asking students to explain the circuit examples and the role of a break or switch.

What mistakes should I watch for when students complete the Circuits worksheet?

Watch for students reversing the terms open and closed, especially when identifying whether the lightbulb is on or off. They may also confuse a break or open switch with an energy source, overlook that every circuit needs an energy source, or miss that a conductor allows energy to travel through it. Review the distinction between a complete path and an incomplete path before grading the fill-in-the-blank items.

How do I assign and grade the Circuits worksheet?

You can assign Circuits as a printable PDF or as a digital quiz on Wayground. The worksheet includes a complete answer key for its multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, and dropdown items, and printable submissions can be graded by scanning student work with the Wayground for Teachers app. The printable format also supports classrooms that are reducing screen time.

How can I differentiate the Circuits worksheet for my students?

For the definition and circuit-vocabulary questions, use Advanced Settings to adjust font spacing or increase the font size for clearer reading and writing space. You can also apply a dyslexia-friendly font or translate the worksheet into another language, which can support access to the open-circuit, closed-circuit, and lightbulb items.

Where can I find more worksheets like this on Wayground?

Wayground offers a comprehensive collection of free printable worksheets and practice problems across all subjects, with downloadable PDFs and answer keys to help students master essential skills and concepts. Browse more resources at https://wayground.com/en-us/worksheets.

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