Most metals are strong, hard and shiny materials. They are good conductors of heat and electricity.

An electrical conductor is a material that allows electricity to pass through it easily.

If a material conducts electricity or heat, it means the electricity or heat can pass through it easily.

An electrical insulator is a material that does not allow electricity to pass through it easily.

Electrical conductors: testing

Science

In this Simple electrical circuits unit, pupils learn to construct a simple series electrical circuit, identifying and naming its basic parts. In the Changing circuits unit, they will build on this knowledge to learn to compare and give reasons for variations in how components function in a simple circuit

In the Everyday materials unit, pupils learnt to identify and name a variety of everyday materials, including wood, plastic, glass and metal. In this Simple electrical circuits unit, pupils will build on this knowledge to recognise some common conductors and insulators, and associate metals with being good conductors

This unit covers constructing simple series electrical circuits, identifying parts like cells, wires, and switches, and recognising conductors and insulators. It also explores how circuits work with lamps and switches. The emphasis is on practical enquiries, making observations, and presenting data.

Simple electrical circuits

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

{{}} are chosen for particular jobs based on their properties

{{}} are very useful materials, with properties such as strength, stiffness and electrical conductivity. 

Which of these are ways scientists present the results of scientific enquiries?  

the outside of the switches on a television

Which of the following items are likely to be made using metals? 

Some metals are better electrical conductors than others.

What type of electrical circuit do you have if all the components are correctly connected and there are no gaps in the loop? 

How would we describe a material that allows electricity to pass through it easily? 

How would we describe a material that does not allow electricity to pass through it easily?

Which type of material would you use to make the casing on a plug? 

Which of these materials is an electrical conductor? 

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - equipment

Adult supervision required

Introduction

What will you need for this lesson?

Are you ready to learn?

Equipment

Content guidance

Supervision

Worksheet