Circuits for Kids Lab

Which materials let electricity flow? Select materials, insert them into a circuit, and record whether the bulb lights up. Sort conductors from insulators and discover the pattern.

Guided Experiment: Conductors and Insulators Investigation

Before you start, predict: which materials do you think will let electricity flow -- metals or non-metals? Write your prediction.

Write your hypothesis in the Lab Report panel, then click Next.

Controls

Circuit Diagram

Select a material below, then click "Insert Material" to test whether it completes the circuit.

+-BatteryGAPBulb

Choose a Material to Test

Conductors (6)

  • Copper Wire
  • Aluminum Foil
  • Steel Spoon
  • Coin
  • Pencil (graphite)
  • Salt Water

Insulators (6)

  • Rubber Eraser
  • Plastic Ruler
  • Wooden Stick
  • Paper
  • Glass
  • Fabric

Reference Guide

How a Circuit Works

A circuit is a closed loop that electricity flows through. It needs a power source (battery), a path (wire), and a load (light bulb).

If any part of the loop is broken, electricity stops flowing and the bulb goes dark.

Inserting a material in the gap either completes the circuit (if it conducts) or keeps it open (if it insulates).

Conductors

Conductors are materials that allow electric current to flow through them easily.

Most metals are conductors. Copper, aluminum, steel, and iron are all good conductors. Graphite (pencil lead) is a non-metal that also conducts.

Electrons in metals can move freely, which is why metals conduct electricity so well.

Insulators

Insulators are materials that resist the flow of electric current. Electrons in insulators are tightly bound and cannot move freely.

Common insulators include rubber, plastic, wood, glass, and fabric.

Insulators are used to coat wires and cables so electricity stays on the correct path and does not cause shocks.

Electricity in Daily Life

Every electrical device uses both conductors and insulators. The copper wires inside a power cord carry current, while the plastic coating keeps it safe to touch.

Light bulb filaments are made of tungsten wire (a conductor) that glows when electricity passes through it.

Salt water conducts because dissolved salt splits into charged ions (Na+ and Cl-) that can carry current.