The wonder of electricity
There are two kinds of electricity: static (still) and electric current (moving). Static electricity arises when objects are rubbed together: that is why we hear crackles when taking off a sweater. Electric current is a flow of tiny particles, electrons, inside wires. Materials that carry current well (copper, iron, aluminium) are conductors. Materials that do not (rubber, plastic, glass) are insulators. Wires are covered with insulation. Never touch bare wires or sockets.
Experiment “Static electricity”: 1) Tear paper into 5 mm bits. Rub a plastic comb on dry hair for 15–20 seconds and bring it near the bits. What happens? 2) Rub a balloon on wool or a sweater and bring it close to a thin stream of tap water: the stream bends. Safety: do only these experiments; never “experiment” with sockets, wires or appliances, and do not let the stream touch the balloon.