What Are Insulators in Science?

As your students enter 4th grade, 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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Electrical Conductors and Insulators Worksheet

Explore electrical conductors and insulators with this 2-page worksheet.

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Is It a Conductor or an Insulator? - Worksheet

With this hands-on worksheet, students will cut and sort conductors and insulators based on their ability to transfer heat energy.

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Conductors and Insulators Worksheet

Use this insulators and conductors worksheet with your students to practice identifying the characteristics of thermal and electrical energy.