Does aluminum conduct electricity?

This question came from our study of the periodic table and learning about metals, nonmetals, and semimetals. Our class was skeptical that it would be possible for an aluminum Coke can to actually conduct electricity; although our textbook told us that it would because aluminum is a metal.
We could have just believed what our textbook and the periodic table told us, but instead we wanted to experiment and see it with our own eyes!


	Materials: - 2 pieces of insulated electrical wire per group - 1 C battery per group - transparent tape - rubber bands - 1 Christmas tree lightbulb per group - 1 aluminum can per group

Summary of Events: Without any prior knowledge of how to complete an electrical circuit, the groups set out with the task of lighting a single Christmas tree lightbulb with the materials that I provided to them in their baskets. One after the other each team was successful in completing the circuit and lighting their bulbs. The last step was to determine if the bulb would light if we added an aluminum can to the circuit. Aluminum is in the metal section of the periodic table so it should work!
The Process: (click on a thumbnail to view the larger image)

Teamwork and cooperation was a must with all of these tiny pieces!

Moments later...

...we have our first light...		...and the second...

...third....		...and the fourth!
One by one each team managed to light their bulb successfully! The final and most important step for this investigation was to add an aluminum can to the circuit in order to see if aluminum really does conduct electricity.

There was some trial and error involved but with a little determination they figured it out!

Results: Well, as we knew it would be, our textbook was correct. Aluminum truly does conduct electricity. In the words of a student, "It's one thing to read about it in a book, but it's so much better when we can actually SEE it for ourselves." I agree!

Website designed and maintained by Mrs. Joy Fullilove. 2002 - 2011