1
Strong and weak electricity
Workbook 2: Topic 6.2, pp. 71–74
GoalSay that mains electricity is very strong and must be left to grown-ups, while small cells are safe to use in experiments.
New words
danger · something that could hurt youelectric shock · a painful jolt when electricity flows through your bodysafe · not likely to hurt you
Explanation
Electricity is very useful, and it is safe when we treat it with care. Mains electricity is very strong. It can hurt people badly. It can give a person an electric shock. So grown-ups are the ones who plug things into the mains. We never touch a wall socket or push anything into it. The electricity in a small cell is much weaker. It is safe to use in experiments, when an adult is nearby.
Worked examples
A wall socket is where mains electricity comes out. Fingers, pencils and toys must stay away from it.
Mia’s torch has two small cells. It is safe for her to hold, switch on and carry about.
Dad plugs in the kettle. Mia watches from a safe distance. Mains things are a job for grown-ups.
Class activity
Socket count (with an adult): go into one room and count the wall sockets. Look, but do not touch. Draw a picture of the room and put a big red cross on each socket. Tell the grown-up why the cross is there.
Practice
1
Why can a child use a small cell in an experiment, but never the mains?
The electricity in a small cell is weak and safe. Mains electricity is very strong and can give an electric shock.
2
Which one is for grown-ups only?
A, the plug and the mains.
3
Finish the sentence: Mains electricity is very …
strong (and dangerous).
4
You see a plug lying on the floor near a wall socket. What do you do?
Do not touch it. Tell an adult.