---
title: "Conductors and insulators"
description: "Recognise some common conductors and insulators, and associate metals with being good conductors of electricity"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/conductors-and-insulators-mt_d-EKO-pKkP
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/conductors-and-insulators-mt_d-EKO-pKkP.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# Conductors and insulators

Recognise some common conductors and insulators, and associate metals with being good conductors of electricity

Subject: Science · Area: Energy · Ages 8 to 9
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/conductors-and-insulators-mt_d-EKO-pKkP

## Ready when they can

- Define conductors (allow electricity to flow through) and insulators (block electricity)
- Test at least six materials and correctly classify them as conductors or insulators
- State that metals are generally good conductors and explain why wires are made of metal with plastic coating

## Lesson: Conductors and insulators

You already know how to build a simple circuit with a battery, wires, and a bulb. Some materials let electricity flow through them and finish the circuit, so the bulb lights up. We call these materials conductors. Other materials block the electricity, so the bulb stays dark. We call these materials insulators.

**Example.** Maya tests six materials in her circuit: a metal spoon, a coin, a paperclip, a rubber band, a plastic ruler, and a wooden pencil. The bulb lights up for the spoon, the coin, and the paperclip. It stays dark for the rubber band, the ruler, and the pencil.

*(drawing: Three materials let electricity through. Three materials blocked it.)*

**Tip.** Metals like copper and aluminum are usually excellent conductors. That's why electrical wires have a metal core wrapped in a plastic coating. The metal carries the electricity, and the plastic insulator keeps you safe from touching it.

**Recap.** Conductors let electricity flow and insulators block it. Metals are strong conductors, so wires use a metal core wrapped in a plastic insulator for safety.

## Practice

8 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [Building a simple circuit](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/building-a-simple-circuit-mt_DA7-JYRvtP)

## Opens up

- [Static electricity and sparks](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/static-electricity-and-sparks-mt_2_YoprauaJ)