Grades 3–5
Conductors and Insulators
Sort ten materials into conductors and insulators, then explain why wires are covered in plastic.
Science worksheet · Electricity and circuits
Will the Bulb Light?
Look at four circuits, circle yes or no, then explain why an open circuit does not work.
- Grade level
- Grades 3–5
- Time
- About 20 minutes
- Answer key
- Yes, page 2 of the PDF
- Kids practice
- Circuits, Conductors and insulators, Electrical safety
What kids do
Printed on the sheet:
- A bulb lights only when the circuit is closed: a complete loop from the battery, through the bulb and back. A gap anywhere means an open circuit.
- 2. Why does a bulb go out when the circuit is open? Why does a light switch in your house work the same way?
Teacher tip
Ask kids to trace each path with a finger. If the finger has to jump a gap, it won’t light.
How to use it
- Show a real battery, bulb and wires so kids can see the circuit.
- Trace the path of the electricity with a finger on each diagram.
- Let partners compare answers and settle any differences with a book or a video.
Watch for
Only use small batteries for classroom circuits, never wall outlets.
Talk about it
- What should you never do near an outlet?
- What question do you still have?
Take it further
Build simple circuits with batteries, foil and small bulbs in small groups.
US Letter, prints well in black and white. Free for home and classroom use: print as many copies as you need.
More electricity and circuits worksheets
Grades 3–5
Static Electricity Balloon
An experiment: rub a balloon on your hair and test what it pulls on.
Grades 3–5
Electrical Safety
Color the safe choices and put an X on the dangerous ones, then write a safety rule for your home.
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