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Partial Progress - Circles (browser only)
Electricity
Objectives
- To understand that electricity travels along wires.
- To understand the function of plastic insulators.
Resources
Cambridge Primary Science Book 4 | Lined paper | Electrical cable (disused)
Today's Lesson
Main Activity
Turn to page 132 in Cambridge Primary Science Book 4and complete Getting Started.
Ask your child to read ‘Conductors and Insulators and mains electricity on page 133. Discuss the questions in Activity 1 on page 134.
Look closely at the ‘Electric Shocks’ information on page 134 and discuss it.
Explain how electricity travels along the copper wires to reach appliances in order to make them work. Point out that for as long as electricity is travelling the length of the wire, it is potentially extremely dangerous. If a person were to touch the bare wires, the ‘shock’ could be strong enough to kill them. Therefore, the wires must be contained safely within the plastic insulation, so that people cannot touch the live wires directly. Point out how unsafe the wires in the picture on page 83 are, as they are tangled, the baby is near, near water etc.
Recap the dangers associated with electrical sockets making sure that your child understands that they must never put anything into a socket or touch electrical appliances with wet hands. Answer the questions inActivity 2 on page 135.
Finally, look together at the LUMO-Electrical Safety poster and read through the potential dangers in the home with your child. Do any of them apply to you? Print the poster if you wish so that the discussion can involve other members of the family.
📄 DISCUSS - LUMO-Electrical Safety poster
Talk About it!
What dangerous uses of electricity have you seen?