What Are Insulators?

If your students are beginning to learn about insulators and conductors during science class, the question, “What are insulators?” is more than likely to pop up. Insulators are defined as materials that do not allow heat, electricity, light, or sound to pass through it easily. These types of materials are found in many places. There are probably things you and your students use regularly that are insulators! Some examples of insulators include:

• glass
• paper
• wood
• rubber

With this teaching presentation, students will take an in-depth look at not only what insulators are, but also how they work, the difference between electrical and thermal insulators, and why these materials are important in our world. 

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

A team of dedicated, experienced educators created this resource to support your science lessons. 

Use this teaching presentation about insulators to enhance learning through guided science groups, whole-class lessons, or remote learning assignments. 

If you have a mixture of above and below-level learners, check out these suggestions for keeping students on track with the concepts: 

🆘 Support Struggling Students

Help students who need support understanding the concepts by providing access to previous lessons, posters, or anchor charts. Additionally, use this teaching presentation with a small group of students to go at a slower pace and guide understanding with detailed questions.

➕ Challenge Fast Finishers

For students who need a bit of a challenge, encourage them to create an infographic or list showing different insulators and what they are used for.

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Use the Download button to access the editable Google Slides version of this resource.

This resource was created by Melissa McLaren, a teacher in Massachusetts and Teach Starter Collaborator. 

Don’t stop there! We’ve got more activities and resources that cut down on lesson planning time:  

teaching resource

Insulators and Conductors Worksheet

Identify different insulators and conductors of thermal and electrical energy with this worksheet.

teaching resource

Insulators & Conductors Sorting Activity

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

teaching resource

Insulators and Conductors Poster Set

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