Using insulators and conductors

Using insulators and conductors

Pencil and paperOnline interactive
Overview
Using this Resource
Connecting to the Curriculum
Marking Student Responses
Further Resources
This task is about materials that are conductors or insulators of heat.
Conductors are materials which electricity flows through easily.
Insulators are materials that do not let electricity flow through easily.

Question 1Change answer

The table below lists some materials and gives examples of how they can be used as insulators or conductors of heat. 
Complete the table by filling in the spaces marked a) to g).
 
Material Conductor or insulator of heat Example of use
Aluminium conductor a)  
Glass b)  conductorinsulator coffee mug handle
Copper c)  conductorinsulator base of saucepan
Trapped layer of air insulator d)  
Paper insulator e)  
Steel conductor f)  
Glass g)  conductorinsulator bulb of a thermometer
Task administration: 
This task can be completed with pencil and paper or online (with SOME auto marking).
Level:
5
Curriculum info: 
Science, Understanding about science, Material World
Keywords: 
chemistry and society, heat, conductors, insulators
Description of task: 
Students are given a partially completed table which details materials which are used as either conductors or insulators of heat. Students complete the table by indicating whether the materials conduct or insulate heat or give an example of its use.
Curriculum Links: 
Science capabilities
The capabilities focus is brought about by the conversations you have and the questions you ask.
 
Capability: Use evidence
This resource provides opportunities to discuss using science information to match science materials to their purpose.
Science capabilities: 
Use evidence
Answers/responses: 
 

Y10 (11/2001)
a) e.g., electrical wiring, oven tray difficult
b) insulator very easy
c) conductor very easy
d) e.g., double glazing difficult
e) e.g., wrapping around fish and chips very difficult
f) e.g., outside of a heater/saucepans difficult
g) conductor moderate