Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Physics
Lesson Topic: Describe an experiment to distinguish between electrical conductors and insulators
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the experiment that differentiates conductors from insulators using an electroscope.
  • Explain how charge transfer produces observable electroscope leaf movement.
  • Predict the electroscope response for various test materials.
  • Apply safety procedures when handling charged objects and electroscopes.
  • Analyse recorded observations to correctly classify unknown materials.
Materials Needed:
  • Rubber (or plastic) rod
  • Wool cloth
  • Electroscope (or pith‑ball electroscope)
  • Insulating stand or non‑conductive holder
  • Test objects (e.g., metal nail, dry wood)
  • Grounding wire or metal plate for discharge
  • Worksheet for recording observations
  • Safety goggles (optional)
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick demonstration of a charged rod making a piece of paper jump, sparking curiosity about why some materials react differently. Review prior knowledge of static electricity and the concept of conductors versus insulators. Explain that today’s success criteria are to correctly set up the electroscope, conduct the test, and accurately classify the materials.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5’) – Students write a brief explanation of how a charged object can affect a nearby material. (Check)
  2. Mini‑lecture (10’) – Review static charge, conductors, insulators, and introduce the electroscope apparatus.
  3. Demonstration (5’) – Teacher shows charging the rubber rod and the electroscope response with a known conductor.
  4. Guided practice (15’) – Pairs set up the electroscope, charge the rod, test the first unknown object, and record observations.
  5. Reset & repeat (10’) – Students ground the electroscope, test the second object, and complete the observations table.
  6. Class discussion (10’) – Groups share results, explain leaf movement (or lack thereof), and classify each material.
  7. Extension questions (5’) – Consider grounding, using a positively charged rod, and conditional conductivity.
  8. Check for understanding (5’) – Exit ticket: one sentence describing how to tell a conductor from an insulator.
Conclusion:
Summarise that diverging electroscope leaves indicate a conductor while no movement signals an insulator. Ask a few students to state the key safety step when resetting the electroscope. Collect an exit ticket summarising the classification rule, and assign homework to find everyday examples of conductors and insulators.