Electrical conductors and insulators
I can sort materials into electrical conductors and insulators.
Electrical conductors and insulators
I can sort materials into electrical conductors and insulators.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- An electrical conductor is a material that allows electricity to pass through it easily.
- An electrical insulator is a material that does not allow electricity to pass through it easily.
- Metals are the best materials for conducting electricity.
- There are minerals that can conduct electricity when dissolved in water.
- Examples of electrical insulators are plastic, rubber, wood, glass and air.
Common misconception
Only metals are electrical conductors. All non-metals are electrical insulators. Water is an electrical conductor.
Children will test materials for conductivity, but the teaching slides will note that some non-metals are electrical conductors and that it is the dissolved minerals in water that can conduct electricity, not the water itself.
Keywords
Material - A material is what objects are made from such as wood, metal or plastic.
Electrical conductor - An electrical conductor is a material that allows electricity to pass through it easily.
Minerals - A mineral is a naturally occurring solid, e.g. a salt.
Electrical insulator - An electrical insulator is a material that does not allow electricity to pass through it easily.
Equipment
Equipment to make simple circuits and a range of materials to test for conductivity.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
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