Experiment with Conductors and Insulators – We practiced using our inquiry process skills by using materials to create a closed circuit to light up a bulb. We learned that a circuit is a closed path that electrons flow along. When the bulb receives enough of these electrons it will light up. Yanuell was provided 3 alligator clips (wires), a 6 Volt power source (battery), and a resistor (light bulb) to create a simple circuit. He determined the correct setup for the circuit to provide power to light the bulb. Then we learned that some materials carry electricity better than others. These are called conductors, and things through which electricity cannot travel or travel through poorly are called insulators. Yanuell was given several items to make predictions as to whether the objects were conductors or insulators of electricity. After he made his predictions, he tested each item by placing it in the closed path of his circuit to see if it was conducting or insulating power to the bulb. His predictions were correct in most instances.
Assignment: We added notes on conductors and insulators to our science notebook.