LEARN NC

K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Amazing liquid conductor

Students will mix a variety of liquid solutions together to see if they will light a light bulb in a electrical circuit. They will be able to identify liquid electrical conductors and nonconductors. Also they will be able to identify that liquid solutions that contain a noticeable amount of acid or salt are good conductors of electricity. Each group of students will make a closed circuit to test their solutions.

A lesson plan for grades 4 and 6 Science

By Martha Martin

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Learning outcomes

Students will:

  • have an understanding of how electrical energy is used.
  • see the interaction of a closed circuit and a open circuit through the use of liquid solutions.
  • understand that science is a way of finding out through observation and experimentation.
  • see how the scientific method is used to analyze and collect data.

Teacher planning

Time required for lesson

45 minutes

Materials/resources

  • one or two batteries
  • plastic glasses
  • salt
  • one or two battery holders
  • water
  • sugar
  • one light bulb (flashlight)
  • vinegar
  • safety goggles
  • one bulb holder
  • baking soda
  • paper towels
  • bare copper wire

Pre-activities

Teacher will need to have already shown the students how to construct a closed circuit in which a light bulb has been lit. Students will need to know what electric current is and be able to describe the path of electricity in a closed circuit.

Activities

  1. Each cooperative learning group will construct their closed circuit by using a bulb, bulb holder, battery, battery holder and wire. They need to make sure that when all are connected, the light bulb will come on.
  2. Prepare solutions: vinegar and water, baking soda and water, salt and water, and sugar and water.
  3. Test each solution by placing the wire into each cup of solution. After testing one solution you need to wipe off each wire with a paper towel before testing another solution.
  4. Record your observations, telling which one will make a closed circuit. If the light bulb comes on you know that the solution is a conductor.
  5. Clean up the mess and put the materials back where they belong.

Assessment

We will discuss each solution and determine if it was an acid or base solution. If it was an acid solution then the bulb came on. Students will write a paper summarizing the information they have learned today. In the paper, each student should be able to summarize how each mixture was different. They also should be able tell if the mixture was not an acid then it would be an open circuit.

Supplemental information

Comments

Students really enjoy doing this lesson. They love to see if that amazing liquid will light that light bulb.

North Carolina curriculum alignment

Science (2005)

Grade 4

  • Goal 3: The learner will make observations and conduct investigations to build an understanding of magnetism and electricity.
    • Objective 3.03: Design and test an electric circuit as a closed pathway including an energy source, energy conductor, and an energy receiver.
    • Objective 3.06: Describe and identify materials that are conductors and nonconductors of electricity.

  • North Carolina Essential Standards

    • Science (2010)

      • Grade 4

        • 4.P.1 Explain how various forces affect the motion of an object. 4.P.1.1 Explain how magnets interact with all things made of iron and with other magnets to produce motion without touching them. 4.P.1.2 Explain how electrically charged objects push or pull...
        • 4.P.2 Understand the composition and properties of matter before and after they undergo a change or interaction. 4.P.2.1 Compare the physical properties of samples of matter: (strength, hardness, flexibility, ability to conduct heat, ability to conduct electricity,...
        • 4.P.3 Recognize that energy takes various forms that may be grouped based on their interaction with matter. 4.P.3.1 Recognize the basic forms of energy (light, sound, heat, electrical, and magnetic) as the ability to cause motion or create change. 4.P.3.2...

      • Grade 6

        • 6.P.3 Understand characteristics of energy transfer and interactions of matter and energy. 6.P.3.1 Illustrate the transfer of heat energy from warmer objects to cooler ones using examples of conduction, radiation and convection and the effects that may result....