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5th Grade

Lesson Overview

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Lesson Materials

Hello Educators! Check out the lesson overview for our 5th Grade Learning Power in-class field trip on simple circuits, insulators, and conductors. Interested in us coming to your classroom? Schedule a visit!

Georgia Standards of Excellence

Lesson Focus: Investigate electricity, open and closed circuits, and components of a circuit and test insulators and conductors.

S5P2. Obtain, evaluate and communicate information to investigate electricity.

  • b. Design a complete, simple electric circuit, and explain all necessary components.
  • c. Investigate and test common materials to determine if they are insulators or conductors of electricity.

Key Concepts:

PART 1: ENERGY STICK

Demonstrate open vs. closed circuit.

Differentiate between insulators and conductors.

PART 2: SIMPLE CIRCUIT

Assemble a simple electrical circuit.

PART 3: CONCLUSION

Recognize the uses of electricity in everyday life and ways to be efficient.

Class Activities

Lesson Objectives

  • Distinguish between open and closed circuits.
  • Construct a simple electrical circuit.
  • Identify materials that are good conductors and materials that are good insulators.
  • Recognize the uses of electricity in everyday life.

Part 1: Energy Stick

Materials:

  • Energy stick
  • Kit of common materials

Purpose of Activity:

Create a human “circuit” using an energy stick. Demonstrate open and closed circuits. Test different materials within the circuit to determine which materials serve as good insulators and which serve as good conductors.

Part 2: Simple Circuit

Materials:

  • Battery
  • Battery holder
  • Light bulb
  • Bulb holder
  • Insulated alligator clip wires

Purpose of Activity:

Identify the necessary components for building a simple circuit. Work with peers to construct a simple circuit and demonstrate how electricity flows through wires to light a bulb.

Part 3: Closing

Materials:

  • Learning Map (Energy Efficiency Poster)

Purpose of Activity:

Recognize that electricity is used often during our daily lives and determine ways to be efficient in how we use energy.