What Is an Insulator in Science?

As your students enter year 6, they will likely be introduced to many new vocabulary terms. When studying electricity in their forms of energy unit, students may be introduced to the terms ‘conductor’ and ‘insulator.’ Let’s take a look at what the term insulator means to help your students with this physical science topic.

Insulators are materials that do not conduct electricity or heat well. They have high electrical resistance and low thermal conductivity. In science and engineering, insulators are commonly used to prevent the flow of electricity or heat. Rubber, plastic, glass, wood and ceramics are common insulating materials. They are essential for electrical safety as they help to prevent electric shocks, short circuits and fires by containing or blocking the flow of electrical currents. 

Learn Facts About Insulators With Our Reading Worksheet

Teach Starter has created a reading comprehension worksheet for your students to learn all about electrical insulators. In this teacher-created resource, you will find:

• A two-page non-fiction reading passage about electrical insulators that review
• Vocabulary building exercise where students must define and draw a picture for four vocabulary words
• Comprehension questions that include multiple-choice, true-false and short-answer questions

How to Get Your Insulator Worksheet

If you are ready for your students to power up their reading comprehension, head on over to the green download button. Here, you can download our exciting worksheet on electrical insulators and guide your students to uncover the electrifying world of science and safety. Choose from the quick-print PDF file or the editable Google Slides document. If selecting the Google Slides option, please note that you will first be prompted to make a copy of the resource to your personal drive before accessing it.

More Resources for Your Insulator Lesson Plans!

Don’t stop there! We’ve got more activities and resources to use in your classroom when teaching your students about conductors and insulators. Check out some of our suggested activities below!

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Insulators and Conductors Poster Set

Teach your students about the characteristics of insulators and conductors with this set of science posters for the classroom.

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Understanding Insulators Teaching Slides for Year 6

Teach your students about electrical and thermal insulators with this teaching presentation.

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Insulators and Conductors Sorting Activity

Distinguish between electrical insulators and conductors with a picture-based sorting activity.