Science Worksheet · Grades 3–5
Conductors and Insulators Worksheet
A printable physical-science worksheet for grades 3-5 on conductors and insulators: a conductor lets electricity flow (most metals) while an insulator stops it (plastic, rubber, wood, glass). Students classify eight materials, then answer four short questions. A complete answer key is included.
Subject
Science
Grades
Grades 3–5
Skill Focus
Conductors and Insulators, physical science
Lesson Length
20 minutes
Lesson Overview
About this worksheet
Electricity flows easily through some materials but not others. A conductor lets electricity flow through it – most metals like copper and iron are good conductors, which is why wires are made of metal. An insulator stops electricity – plastic, rubber, wood, and glass are good insulators, which is why wires are coated in plastic and electricians wear rubber gloves. This worksheet teaches the difference.
Section A lists eight materials (a copper wire, a rubber glove, an iron nail, a plastic spoon) and asks students to label each conductor or insulator, balanced four and four. The reference box teaches both with copper and plastic examples and the does-electricity-pass test but names none of the eight Section A materials directly as answers.
Section B is short-answer. Students contrast conductors and insulators, explain why wire centers are metal and coatings are plastic, and name one of each. Page 3 is a complete answer key. The skill builds on electricity and supports circuit safety.
How to Use This Lesson
Read the reference box aloud and point out the metal inside and plastic outside of a real wire.
Complete Section A independently – have students ask ‘can electricity pass through this?’
Discuss Section B item 3 (why the plastic coating keeps people safe).
Use the answer key on page 3 for self-check or teacher review.
Pair with the Electricity Worksheet or the Magnets Worksheet for a physical-science mini-unit.
Printable Resource
A classroom-ready PDF with everything in one printable resource.
Full Member Resource · Printable PDF · 3 pages · Answer Key
Conductors and Insulators Worksheet
A printable physical-science worksheet for grades 3-5 on conductors and insulators: a conductor lets electricity flow (most metals) while an insulator stops it (plastic, rubber, wood, glass). Students classify eight materials, then answer four short questions. A complete answer key is included.
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