Electrical conductors: testing
I can identify objects made from a range of metals and test for electrical conductivity.
Electrical conductors: testing
I can identify objects made from a range of metals and test for electrical conductivity.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Metals are very useful materials, with properties such as strength, stiffness and electrical conductivity.
- Results of scientific enquiries can be recorded in different ways including charts and tables.
- All metals conduct electricity, but some metals are better electrical conductors than others.
- Materials are chosen for particular jobs based on their properties.
Keywords
Metal - A metal is a type of material.
Electrical conductor - An electrical conductor is a material that allows electricity to pass through it easily.
Conduct - If a material conducts electricity or heat it means the electricity or heat can pass through it easily.
Electrical insulator - An electrical insulator is a material that does not allow electricity to pass through it easily.
Common misconception
Not all metals are electrical conductors.
Children will test materials for conductivity, but teaching slides will emphasise that all metals are electrical conductors.
Equipment
Equipment required to make simple circuits (cells, bulbs, buzzers, motors, wires) and a range of different metals to test.
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).
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
electrical conductor
electrical insulator
Exit quiz
6 Questions
