S2.8.7 For the adult
Conductors, insulators and switches
Which things let electricity pass?
What this chapter teaches
Metals are conductors and let electricity pass. Plastic, wood, rubber, glass and dry paper are insulators, and water with salt or dirt in it conducts, so hands must stay dry near the mains.
Three questions to ask
There is no one right wording. Listen for the idea.
- How could you find out whether a material lets electricity pass?
- Why do wires have metal inside and plastic outside?
- What does a switch do to the loop?
After the chapter, the learner can
- Test which materials let electricity pass in a circuit
- Make a switch from paper clips or kitchen foil
What they copy into their notebook
Metals are conductors. They let electricity pass. Plastic, wood, rubber, glass and dry paper are insulators. Water with salt or dirt in it conducts, so keep hands dry. A switch opens or closes a gap in the loop.