Using insulators and conductors

Using insulators and conductors

Pencil and paper
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.
 
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)

coffee mug handle

Copper

c)

base of saucepan

Trapped layer of air

insulator

d)

Paper

insulator

e)

Steel

conductor

f)

Glass

g)

bulb of a thermometer
Task administration: 
This task can be completed with pencil and paper.
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