http://www.teachengineering.org/view_lesson.php?url=collection/cub_/lessons/cub_electricity/cub_electricity_lesson04.xmllessontext/xmlIntegrated Teaching and Learning Program, electricityconductivityconductorinsulatormetalsemiconductorsolutionssuperconductorAcidAlloyBaseCapacitorsConductivityCovalent bondDissociateElectrolyteElectrodeElectromagnetIonic solidMetalSemiconductorSoluteSolutionSolventSuperconductor

Students gain an understanding of the difference between electrical conductors and insulators, and experience recognizing a conductor by its material properties. In a hands-on activity, students build a conductivity tester to determine whether different objects are conductors or insulators. In another activity, students use their understanding of electrical properties to choose appropriate materials to design and build their own basic circuit switch.

We know that electrical engineers design the circuits and batteries that run the appliances we use every day. But another aspect of designing electrical devices is deciding which materials make the best conductors and insulators for a given situation. Engineers consider a material’s level of conductivity, ability to dissipate heat, ductility and resistance to corrosion at certain temperatures. Only through the smart selection of materials for parts, wiring, external housing and microchips are engineers able to design devices and appliances that operate correctly, dependably and safely. Predict whether an object is likely to conduct electricity.Distinguish between electrical conductors and insulators.Understand that the electrical properties of a material determine how it can be used in an electrical circuit Understand why engineers must consider the materials for parts, wiring, external housing and microchips in order to design electronic devices and appliances. 50TeachEngineering.orgXochitl Zamora ThompsonSabre DurenJoe FriedrichsenDaria Kotys SchwartzMalinda Schaefer ZarskeDenise Carlsonhttp://www.ornl.gov/reports/m/ornlm3063r1/contents.htmlHewitt, Paul G. Conceptual Physics. 8th Edition. New York, NY: Addison Publishing Company, 1998.S11416DAInternational_Technology_Education_Association-ITEA_STL_StandardsTechnologyC. Various relationships exist between technology and other fields of study.35S11417D7International_Technology_Education_Association-ITEA_STL_StandardsTechnologyD. Tools, machines, products, and systems use energy in order to do work.35S11424F5ColoradoSciencec. Describe the energy transformation that takes place in electrical circuits where light, heat, sound, and magnetic effects are produced 44S11424F4ColoradoScienceb. Show that electricity in circuits requires a complete loop through which current can pass 44United StatesCopyright 2012 - Integrated Teaching and Learning Program, College of Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulderhttp://www.teachengineering.org/policy_ipp.phphttp://www.teachengineering.org/2010-08-234Teacher