Year 5 Science: Electrical Conductors and Insulators

Year 5 were challenged to find the most efficient electrical conductor to use in a set of floodlights. First, an electrical circuit needed to be set up and tested using wires, crocodile clips, an energy source and a bulb. Once the circuit was tested, a range of materials were introduced into the circuit to determine whether it allowed energy to pass through - an electrical conductor - or prevented energy from continuing on its journey - an electrical insulator.

After the conductors were identified, our junior technicians had to test levels of resistance. A more resistant material allowed less energy to pass through, making the bulb in the circuit shine less brightly. Year 5 concluded that the most conductive material they tested was metal.