Find the Conductors and Insulators
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A conductor is a material that electricity can flow through easily. An insulator is a material that electricity cannot flow through easily. Just as a pot holder insulates you from heat, electrical insulators slow down or resist the flow of electricity.
Ask an adult to help you with this experiment.
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Make your prediction. From the following list, circle one item that you think will conduct electricity well. Underline one item that you think will be a good insulator (will not conduct electricity). Then put a square around the one that you’re not sure is a good conductor .
water
foil(aluminum)
toothpick (wood)
dry dirt
glass
paper clip (steel)
hose (air)
leather
rubber band
plastic
can (tin)
paper
- Materials. You will need one D-cell battery and a holiday minilight to test the items you chose from the list.
- Test your choices. Try to connect the battery and bulb with each material you picked. Use a separate sheet of paper to record what happens in each trial.
- Draw your setup and write the results on the page. Post your results where everyone can see.
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Compare your results with your original prediction. Then compare with other groups. Were the results the same? If not, what might have happened to make the results different?
Cut one socket with its bulb from a string of holiday lights. Leave several inches of wire on each side extending from the socket. Strip each end of the wire. Hold one wire to each end of the battery to light the bulb.