• Quick retrieval from earlier learning (Simple circuits). Students answer on mini whiteboards.
• Show answers together and note who needs support in the main task.

1. What happens if you add a second bulb in series with the first (same cell)? (Both bulbs are brighter / The cell gets stronger / Only one lights / Both bulbs are dimmer) → Both bulbs are dimmerPrompt: The same push must now go through two bulbs.
2. Circuits: which statement is NOT true? (An open switch stops the current. / A cell (battery) pushes the current around a circuit. / A circuit must be complete for current to flow. / Electricity is used up as it goes round a circuit, so less comes back.) → Electricity is used up as it goes round a circuit, so less comes back.Prompt: Does current get used up in a series circuit?
3. Why should you never poke anything into a mains socket? (It is not dangerous / Mains electricity can give a dangerous, even deadly, electric shock / Sockets have no electricity / It might break the toy) → Mains electricity can give a dangerous, even deadly, electric shockPrompt: Mains voltage is much higher than a battery's.

• Show a circuit with a gap and ask why the bulb doesn't light.
• Share the objective: Electrical conductors and insulators. Read the success criteria together.

• Work through the example out loud, saying why you do each step, not just what you do.
• Example: If you put a wooden spoon in the gap in a circuit, would it conduct electricity or insulate?
• Step 1: Electrical insulators do not let current flow.
• Step 2: So the answer is: insulator
• Answer: insulator
• Pause after each step and ask a student to say what comes next.

• Do these together. Students try each step on whiteboards before you reveal it.
• Use the hints as prompts rather than giving the answer.

1. If you put a graphite pencil lead in the gap in a circuit, would it conduct electricity or insulate? (conductor / insulator) → conductorPrompt: Is it made of metal (or graphite)?
2. Why should you not touch switches with wet hands? (Water makes switches stick / Switches are made of water / Wet hands are insulators / Water with dissolved substances can conduct electricity) → Water with dissolved substances can conduct electricityPrompt: Tap water and sweat contain dissolved salts.

• Students work on the student sheet. Circulate and check the first two answers of every student early.
• Students who finish: write a question of their own for a partner, with the answer.

The 8 questions are on the student sheet below, with answers in the key.

• Two questions on their own. Sort answers into got it / nearly / not yet to plan the next lesson.

1. Why are electrical wires covered in plastic? (To make the electricity flow faster / Plastic conducts electricity better / Plastic is an insulator, so it keeps the current in the wire and keeps us safe / To make the wire heavier) → Plastic is an insulator, so it keeps the current in the wire and keeps us safePrompt: What would happen if you touched a bare live wire?
2. If you put a gold ring in the gap in a circuit, would it conduct electricity or insulate? (conductor / insulator) → conductorPrompt: Is it made of metal (or graphite)?

Free online practice with hints and printable worksheets for this skill: eurekami.com/science/grade-3.