Instructions on How to create a simple electrical circuit and How to test conductors and insulators,

1. Simple Electric Circuit Project SC.O.4.2.19:construct simple electrical circuits

2. Materials Needed Wooden base to mount the circuit 2 Light Bulbs 1 lamp holder 1 Battery holders 1 Simple Switch (Known as knife switch) Screws used to mount the switch and the lamp holder Insulated solid copper wire (Gage 22

3. Steps to Construction Step One – Use screws to mount switch, battery holder and lamp to wooden base.

4. Steps to Construction Step Two – Using the wire make the circuit connections as shown . Please be careful loosing screws and stripping the end of the wires!

5. Steps to Construction Step Three– Place a D battery in holder, lower the switch and watch your light shine

6. Conductors and Insulators Identify conductors and insulators around you. It is important to know what materials are conductive and what materials are not. The test is simple. Open the switch and place the object between the poles of the switch. If the light comes on, then the object is conductive. You may try this with metals (coins, paper clips, nails, etc.) and non-metals (glass, plastic, stone, wood, etc.)

7. Definitions Conductor Insulators In a conductor (usually metal) many of the electrons are free to move around within the conductor therefore allowing electricity to pass. In an insulator (such as plastic, rubber, glass, etc) the electrons are not free to move around the entire object therefore not allowing electricity to pass

8. Make it simple! Conductors Insulators An insulator is something that does not let heat and electricity go through it easily. If you slide down a plastic slide, like on our playground, it is very warm, but it will not burn you like a metal slide. Plastic is a good insulator A conductor is something that lets heat and electricity go through it. Think of a hot summer day. You sit on a shiny metal slide, OUCH! It's very hot and burns your legs! The slide is made of metal, it is a good conductor

9. Simple test Materials Directions Simple electric circuit Comb Fabric Metal Spoon Penny Rock Electrical Tape Copper wire Turn off switch Remove wire from switch going to lamp. Replace with additional wire Attach object to the two wires between lamp and switch Turn on Switch – be sure not to touch object

10. Results Fill out chart:

11. Results Fill out chart:

12. One More Time! Click on the hyperlink and test your knowledge of conductors and insulators: Conductors and Insulators

13. Final Thoughts How does a flashlight work? Check out what the Energizer Bunny thinks!