Lesson Focus

Demonstrating the concept of conducting or insulating electricity. Note: This lesson plan is designed for classroom use only, with supervision by a teacher familiar with electrical and electronic concepts.

Download:

Full Lesson Plan
Student Worksheets

Translated Lessons:

Age Levels:

8 – 11

Objectives

  • Learn about the electrical properties of different materials.
  • Learn how conductors and insulators react to electric current.
  • Solve simple algebraic manipulations involving squares and square roots.
  • Learn to make predictions and draw conclusions.
  • Learn about teamwork and working in groups.

Anticipated Learner Outcomes

As a result of this activity, students should develop an understanding of:

  • electrical properties
  • conductors and insulators
  • circuits and current
  • making and testing predictions
  • teamwork

Lesson Activities

Students test a variety of materials in a circuit to determine whether each item behaves as an insulator or a conductor. Students make predictions about each item and discuss the results in teams and as a class. Student teams also construct their own circuit tester using wires, batteries, and a bulb.

Resources/Materials

  • Teacher Resource Documents (attached)
  • Student Worksheet (attached)
  • Student Resource Sheet (attached)

Alignment to Curriculum Frameworks

Curriculum alignment sheet is included in PDF.