Predict and test
Some materials let electricity flow (conductors — mostly metals); others block it (insulators — plastic, wood, rubber).
Predict first, then test each material in your circuit. The globe is your indicator: if it lights, the material is a conductor.
| Material | My prediction | Globe lit? (Y/N) |
|---|---|---|
| Metal spoon | ||
| Plastic ruler | ||
| Wooden pencil | ||
| Aluminium foil | ||
| Rubber band |
Sort, and compare series vs parallel
In a series circuit there is one loop — break it and everything goes out. In a parallel circuit each globe has its own branch, so the others keep working. (That's why homes are wired in parallel!)
1. Sort your materials based on your results.
| Material | Conductor or insulator? |
|---|---|
| Metal spoon | |
| Plastic ruler | |
| Wooden pencil | |
| Aluminium foil | |
| Rubber band |
2. Write one sentence each describing the difference between a series and a parallel circuit.
Exit ticket
Name one conductor and one insulator, and one place at home where each is useful — for example, copper wire and its plastic coating.