Conductors and Insulators Investigation
Learning Objective: Pupils can test materials to determine whether they are electrical conductors or insulators
About this resource
This engaging activity provides Year 4 pupils with a hands-on opportunity to investigate electrical conductivity. Teachers can use this resource to guide children through testing various materials, helping them to distinguish between conductors and insulators, thereby directly supporting the science curriculum's objectives on electricity.
Activity Overview
40 minutesPupils build a simple circuit with a gap, then test different materials to see which ones complete the circuit (conductors) and which ones don't (insulators).
Instructions
- Build a simple circuit: battery → wire → bulb → wire → GAP → wire back to battery
- The gap is where you will test materials
- Touch both loose wire ends to each test material
- If the bulb lights up → CONDUCTOR
- If the bulb stays off → INSULATOR
- Test each material and record results
Materials to Test
- Metal spoon
- Plastic ruler
- Wooden pencil
- Aluminium foil
- Rubber band
- Paper clip
- Fabric
- Coin
- Glass marble
- Graphite (pencil lead)
Recording Table
| Material | Prediction (C or I) | Result (C or I) | Made from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal spoon | Metal | ||
| Plastic ruler | Plastic | ||
| (continue for all materials) |
Conclusion Questions
- Which materials were conductors?
- Which materials were insulators?
- What do most conductors have in common?
- Why are electrical wires covered in plastic?
- Why are plug pins made of metal?
Differentiation
SEN Support
Pre-built circuit provided. Simplified recording sheet with pictures. Paired with supportive partner.
EAL Support
Visual vocabulary: conductor, insulator, circuit, material. Picture-based recording sheet. Sentence frames for conclusions.
Gifted & Talented
Test additional materials independently. Research why metals conduct electricity (free electrons). Write a scientific explanation.
Key Vocabulary
Assessment Criteria
- Can build a test circuit
- Can classify materials as conductors or insulators
- Can explain the pattern in results