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Trial 3 - What is a conductor?

1. A conductor is a material that allows electrical charge to easily flow through it. Below is a list of materials. Some conduct electrical charge well and some do not.

   • Penny
   • Paperclip
   • Plastic spoon
   • Rubber band
   • Pencil Lead
   • Eraser
   • Chalk

2. Using your AA battery and a holiday bulb can you come up with a way to test whether or not the above materials conduct electrical charge? Make a drawing and describe the set-up you are going to use and how it will work. Refer to Technical Hints to see how to use the drawing tool.

   
   

3. Check your set-up with your teacher.

   My teacher APPROVED my set-up.

   My teacher DID NOT APPROVE my set-up.

   
   
4. Fill in the table below with your predictions and the results using your set-up.

   Material	Do you think it will conduct?	Does it conduct?
   Penny
   Paperclip
   Plastic spoon
   Rubber band
   Pencil Lead
   Eraser
   Chalk

   
   
5. Look closely at a holiday bulb. What conducts electrical charge and what does not conduct electrical charge? Draw a picture of the wires and the bulb and label what conducts and what does not. Refer to Technical Hints to see how to use the drawing tool.

   
   

6. Things that do not conduct electrical charge are called "insulators." Think back to the list of things in your house that use electrical energy. Do some of them have insulators? Pick a few items and describe how insulators are used.