Choosing and using conductors and insulators (non-statutory) | Science

Starter quiz

Washing machines, mobile phones and games consoles are examples of electrical ...
- 'appliances' ✓
Which of these are not electrical appliances?
- bicycle ✓
- hand whisk ✓
- microwave
- fridge
Which of these professionals would design, invent and build electrical appliances?
- a scientist
- an engineer ✓
- an elecrician
A ______ is the thing that objects are made from such as wood, metal or plastic.
- 'material' ✓
Which is the best material for conducting electricity?
- glass
- metal ✓
- rubber
- water
Match electrical conductor or insulator to the correct definition.
- electrical conductor
  
  ⇔
  
  a material that allows electricity to pass through it easily ✓
- electrical insulator
  
  ⇔
  
  a material that does not allow electricity to pass through it easily ✓

Exit quiz

An electrical ______ is a material that allows electricity to pass through it easily.
- 'conductor' ✓
An electrical ______ is a material that does not allow electricity to pass through it easily.
- 'insulator' ✓
Why could it be a problem that electrical appliances need electricity?
- because electricity makes appliances more expensive to make
- because electricity makes appliances buzz when you use them
- because electricity can injure us ✓
How can we be protected from the dangerous effects of electricity flowing through conductors?
- by using electrical insulators ✓
- by avoiding all electrical conductors in all appliances
- by learning how to cope with electric shocks
How do engineers solve the problem of electrical appliances needing electricity but also needing to be safe to use?
- They make them entirely from conductors.
- They make them entirely from insulators.
- They choose insulators and conductors for different parts. ✓
Which part of this hair dryer should be made from electrical conductors?
- the circuit and components that make hot air ✓
- the handle
- the wire inside of the cable ✓
- the case
- the outside of the cable

Worksheet

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Lesson Details

Key learning points

An electrical conductor is a material that allows electricity to pass through it easily.
An electrical insulator is a material that does not allow electricity to pass through it easily.
Electrical insulators help keep us safe from the dangerous effects of electricity flowing through conductors.
Scientists and engineers choose different materials that are electrical conductors and insulators to solve problems.

Common misconception

Only metals are electrical conductors. All non-metals are electrical insulators.

Pupils will be taught that some non-metals are poor insulators, for example, water, as it can contain dissolved minerals that act as electrical conductors.

Keywords

Electricity - Electricity is needed for lighting, heating and making machines and appliances work.
Electrical conductor - An electrical conductor is a material that allows electricity to pass through it easily.
Electrical insulator - An electrical insulator is a material that does not allow electricity to pass through it easily.
Appliance - An appliance is a device or piece of equipment designed to perform a specific task.