Introduction to Electricity – Bell Ringer
Summary
Three discussion-starter slides introduce students to electricity concepts before the lesson begins. Each prompt pairs a visual with a short scenario, asking students to identify insulators and conductors, reason about particle chain reactions, and reflect on invisible forces. Works for grades 6 through 10 in physical science or Earth and Environmental Science classrooms.
An insulator is any material in which electric current does not flow freely. Examples include rubber, glass, plastic, and ceramic..
A conductor is any material that allows electricity and heat to flow through freely. The best conductors are certain metals, such as silver and copper.
Think about common items in your home or classroom. Identify at least two items that are insulators and one item that is a conductor.
Imagine one tiny particle bumps another, and that bumps another, and it keeps going. What do you think might happen if this happens millions of times each second?
List three forces you can’t see but know are real. How do you know they’re real?
