Solid Conductors

Lesson Focus - Demonstrating the concept of conducting or insulating electricity, while identifying how different materials serve as conductors.

Lesson Synopsis - The Solid Conductors activity encourages students to test different classroom materials to determine if they are conductors or insulators of electricity. Students work in teams testing their predictions about each material, then groups compare results and discuss findings.

Age Levels - 8-14.

Objectives
Learn that different materials have different electrical properties.
Learn the roles of insulators and conductors.
Learn to predict outcomes and draw conclusions.
Learn about teamwork and working in groups.

Lesson Activities - Students test materials a variety of easy to find solid materials in a circuit to determine whether they serve as an electrical 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, cardboard, metal paper fasteners, and a bulb.

Anticipated Learner Outcomes - As a result of this activity, students should develop an understanding of:
electrical properties of different materials
conductors and insulators
circuits and current
making and testing predictions
teamwork

Resources/Materials
Teacher Resource Documents (included in PDF)
Student Handouts (included in PDF)
Materials (described in detail in PDF)

Alignment to Curriculum Frameworks
Curriculum alignment sheet is included in PDF.

Internet Connections
IEEE Teacher In-Service Program
IEEE Virtual Museum
International Technology Education Association Standards for Technological Literacy
McREL Compendium of Standards and Benchmarks - a compilation of content
standards for K-12 curriculum in both searchable and browsable formats.
National Institute of Standards and Technology - information about measurements
and measurement uncertainty.
National Science Education Standards

Recommended Reading
Eyewitness Electricity, by Steve Parker (DK Publishing, ISBN: 0789455773)
Make Cool Gadgets for Your Room by Amy Pinchuk and Teco Rodriques
(ISBN: 1894379128)
My World of Science: Conductors and Insulators by Angela Royston
(Heinemann Educational Books, ISBN: 0431137269)

References
IEEE Teacher In-Service Program