Virginia SOL PS.9.b
The Standard
materials have different conductive properties
Virginia Standards of Learning for Science · The student will investigate and understand that there are basic principles of electricity and magnetism. Key ideas include
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students test materials in a simple circuit and compare how well each material carries electric current. They classify materials as conductors or insulators using test results.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students can build a complete test circuit and use the bulb or meter reading as evidence. They can explain why metal wire is used inside a cord while plastic covers the outside.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think every solid conducts electricity or that all nonmetals are insulators. They may also mistake an incomplete circuit for evidence that a material does not conduct.
How to Assess It
- Give students a battery, bulb, wires, and samples of foil, wood, plastic, and graphite. Ask them to test, classify, and cite one observation for each sample.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Build a low-voltage circuit and test foil, paper clips, rubber bands, craft sticks, coins, and pencil graphite for conductivity.
Ask students to explain why an electrical cord needs both copper wire and a plastic covering.
Play a prediction game where teams sort material cards into conductor or insulator groups, then earn points by testing each claim.
Inspect common plugs, charging cables, and cooking tools, then identify where conductors and insulators are used for function and safety.
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Printable PS.9.b Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to PS.9.b, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.
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Related Standards
- 1.3.a
objects are made of one or more materials with different physical properties and can be used for a variety of purposes;
- 5.5.c
different media transmit sound differently; and
- PS.9.d
magnetic fields cause the magnetic effects of certain materials;
- 5.4.a
electricity flows easily through conductors but not insulators;
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