Safety around electricity

What’s the link? Look at these photos and decide what all the objects in them have in common:

What’s the link?

That’s right; they are all powered by electricity! What’s the link?

Electricity Electricity can be found all around us. It is used to power lights and mobile phones, computers and dishwashers. But what is electricity?

Electricity Electricity is a type of energy, a force which pushes around tiny particles called atoms. We use electricity to power things by creating circuits which the electricity can run through.

At home electricity comes from the plugs on the walls and the light sockets on the ceiling. When you plug an appliance in it completes a circuit; the electricity flows from the plug through the appliance and back into the plug. Electricity

Electricity is useful but it can also be very dangerous! If you become part of a circuit then an electric current can run through your body and you could receive an electric shock. An electric shock can cause nasty injuries like burns so it is important to know how to stay safe around electricity.

In order to stay safe in your home, make sure you never play with sockets or plugs and that they are switched off when you plug in or unplug any appliances. Electricity

Electricity can also be dangerous when you are in the countryside so its important to know what to look out for! Electricity

Look at the pictures on the worksheets and identify what could be dangerous in each photo and why. Spot the danger

Picture 1 The wires on this electricity pylon could be dangerous. Never do the following near electricity pylons: Fly kites or model aircraft Use fishing rods Light fires Aim shotguns or pistols at overhead power lines.

Picture 2 The danger in this picture is the electric fence the horse is standing behind. Fences are sometimes electrified to contain animals. Electric fences can look like they are made of wire or fabric and should have hazard signs to warn you. Never touch a fence if you suspect it might be electric. Spot the danger

Picture 3 The substation is the danger in this picture. Substations are an important part of transporting electricity but can be very dangerous! They will normally have high fences and warning signs like this around them. Spot the danger Photo credit: LHOON

Picture 3 The train tracks in this picture could be dangerous. Tracks may have up to 25,000 volts running through them. You should never play on or around train lines as they can be very dangerous! Spot the danger

In an emergency If you find anyone that you think might have received an electric shock then be sure to tell an adult or call 999 or 112 for the emergency services. If you are at home and it is safe to do so, switch off the power at the plug.

Alien invasion! Aliens have landed and want to learn about our planet! In your groups prepare an infomercial to explain to the aliens what electricity is used for, how to stay safe around it in the countryside and how to react in an emergency.

Alien invasion! Explain the most important points which were covered in this lesson in one sentence. Now write the most important point in just 5 words. Now write one word which shows the most important point of the lesson