Choosing and using conductors and insulators (non-statutory)
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain the difference between electrical conductors and insulators and can identify where each type of material should be used.
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.
- Electrical insulators help keep us safe from the dangerous effects of electricity flowing through conductors.
- Scientists and engineers choose different materials that are electrical conductors and insulators to solve problems.
Keywords
Electricity - Electricity is needed for lighting, heating and making machines and appliances work.
Electrical conductor - An electrical conductor is a material that allows electricity to pass through it easily.
Electrical insulator - An electrical insulator is a material that does not allow electricity to pass through it easily.
Appliance - An appliance is a device or piece of equipment designed to perform a specific task.
Common misconception
Only metals are electrical conductors. All non-metals are electrical insulators.
Pupils will be taught that some non-metals are poor insulators, for example, water, as it can contain dissolved minerals that act as electrical conductors.
Teacher tip
Encourage pupils to explain their material choices in terms of electrical conduction and insulation. This lesson contains a diagnostic question on slide 9 - see additional materials for further guidance.
Equipment
Equipment to make a buzz-wire game: buzzers, cells, stiff wire, flexible wire, tape, stiff board or polystyrene to act as a stand and other materials which are insulators and conductors.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Washing machines, mobile phones and games consoles are examples of electrical ...
Q2.Which of these are not electrical appliances?
Q3.Which of these professionals would design, invent and build electrical appliances?
Q4.A is the thing that objects are made from such as wood, metal or plastic.
Q5.Which is the best material for conducting electricity?
Q6.Match electrical conductor or insulator to the correct definition.
a material that allows electricity to pass through it easily
a material that does not allow electricity to pass through it easily
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.An electrical is a material that allows electricity to pass through it easily.
Q2.An electrical is a material that does not allow electricity to pass through it easily.
Q3.Why could it be a problem that electrical appliances need electricity?
Q4.How can we be protected from the dangerous effects of electricity flowing through conductors?
Q5.How do engineers solve the problem of electrical appliances needing electricity but also needing to be safe to use?
Q6.Which part of a hair dryer should be made from electrical conductors?
To help you plan your 6 science lesson on: Choosing and using conductors and insulators (non-statutory), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 science lesson on: Choosing and using conductors and insulators (non-statutory), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 science lessons from the Changing circuits unit, dive into the full primary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.