What Conducts?
Materials:
- 1 wooden chopping board
- 1 small light bulb (LED will work)
- 1 battery with a holder
- 2 push pins
- 3 jumper cables with alligator clips
- An assortment of things: paper clips, plastic wrapper, jewelry, paper, etc.
Instructions:
1. Assemble the battery with its holder and put the two push pins into the battery so that one pin is touching the positive side, and the other pin is touching the negative.
2. Attach one of the alligator clips to the positive push pin and the other end to the negative side of the LED wire, which is the rounded end.
3. Using your other alligator clip, attach one side to the negative push pin and the other end to the positive wire of the LED, which is the flat end.
4. The bulb should light.
5. Remove the attachment of the positive push pin and attach the 3rd jumper cable in its place. You now have a gap in your circuit.
6. Begin attaching the two free alligator clips to the materials you brought. For example, attach each alligator clip to either end of an unwound paper clip. What happens to the light bulb?
7. Make a list of which materials conducted electricity, and why you think they have this ability. This experiment demonstrates which common or everyday objects conduct electricity. You will have a fun time figuring out what makes a good electric conductor and what doesn't Plus, some items may just surprise you!
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