Which materials conduct electricity?
Name:....................................................
Date:......................................
You are going to carry out an investigation into which materials
conduct electricity. Materials which conduct electricity will get hot so
take extra care when carrying out your investigation.
You will need to select a variety of materials. For example: wooden matchstick, a
rubber, pencil lead, plastic counter, aluminium foil, paperclip. Make sure you test a
range of different materials!
Scientists make predictions (sensible guesses) as to the results of their tests before
they carry them out. List your chosen objects in the table below and make your
predictions.
Object
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Material
18968
Will it conduct?
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Which materials conduct electricity?
Name:....................................................
Date:......................................
To carry out your investigation you will need:
 3 wires with clips
 a battery
 a lamp or buzzer
Connect up the battery and lamp / buzzer, but leave 2 wires unconnected to
anything.
Now you are ready to begin your investigation. Connect both wires to your chosen
objects. Record what happens.
Object
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Material
18968
Does the lamp light
up/buzzer sound?
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Which materials conduct electricity?
Name:....................................................
Date:......................................
What have you learnt? Complete the table to show your conclusions
Material
Does it conduct?
Based upon your results, can you suggest any other classroom objects which would
conduct electricity?
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18968
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