What Is Conductivity? — Reading Comprehension

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Grades

Standards

MS-PS3
HS-PS3
RI.6.3
RI.7.1

About This Reader

This middle school science reading passage introduces students to the concept of conductivity, explaining how materials allow heat and electricity to move through them. Aligned with NGSS MS-PS3 standards for energy and matter, it uses simple examples like copper wires and metal spoons to make the topic relatable and clear. Students learn about conductors, insulators, and how engineers use these properties when designing everyday tools and structures. The passage also builds important reading comprehension skills by reinforcing key science vocabulary like electrons, materials, and energy transfer. Ideal for NGSS-aligned classrooms, it supports students' understanding of science practices and concepts while engaging them with real-world examples of

CONTENT PREVIEW

Have you ever wondered why some things heat up quickly while others stay cool? Or why metal wires are used to carry electricity? The answer has to do with a property called conductivity.

Conductivity is the ability of a material to let heat or electricity pass through it. Materials that let heat or electricity move through them easily are called good conductors. Materials that do not let them move through easily are called insulators.

Metals like copper, aluminum, and silver are great conductors. That’s why metal pots heat up fast and why copper wires are used in electronics and power lines. These materials have particles (called electrons) that move freely, making it easy for energy to flow.

On the other hand, materials like rubber, plastic, wood, and glass are poor conductors. They are good insulators. Insulators are important too! They keep us safe by stopping the flow of unwanted heat or electricity. For example, the plastic covering on wires keeps you from getting shocked.

Conductivity is important in many areas of science and engineering. When people design buildings, machines, or even clothing, they have to think about how well materials conduct heat or electricity.

You can test conductivity with simple tools. For example, to test thermal conductivity, you can place different materials in hot water and see which one gets warm first. For electrical conductivity, a circuit tester can show whether electricity flows through a material.

Fun Fact: Silver is the best conductor of electricity, but it’s too expensive for most wires—so we usually use copper instead!

What is the main idea of the passage?

How to cook with metal potsWhy plastic is bad for electronicsWhat conductivity is and why it mattersHow to make electricity at home

What does conductivity mean?

The ability to float on waterThe ability to block heat or electricityThe ability to let heat or electricity pass throughThe power to stop energy from moving

Which of the following is a good conductor?

RubberWoodCopperGlass

Why is copper used in wires instead of silver?

Copper is a better conductorCopper is heavier than silverSilver melts too easilyCopper is cheaper than silver

What is an insulator?

A material that holds electricityA material that blocks or slows down heat or electricityA tool that measures heatA type of wire used in buildings

What does the passage say about the plastic covering on wires?

It makes wires look nicerIt stops the wire from meltingIt helps heat move fasterIt protects us from getting shocked

What is one way to test thermal conductivity?

Use a magnet on a wirePut different materials in hot waterShine a light through materialsFreeze the materials

What kind of particles help metals conduct energy?

ProtonsNeutronsAtomsElectrons