Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 4

Lesson Video

This page supports the lesson note with a companion video and a short classroom-ready summary.

For class groups and homework, share this lesson page so learners also get the summary, objectives, and full lesson context.

Performance objectives

• Identify electrical dangers at home and school.
• Learn safe ways to use electrical appliances.
• Know what to do in an electrical emergency.
• Understand why it's important to tell an adult about electrical problems.

Lesson summary

This lesson focuses on electricity safety, a crucial life skill for all Grade 4 learners in South Africa. Electricity powers our homes, schools, and communities, making our lives easier.

However, it can be very dangerous if not handled properly. Accidents involving electricity can cause serious injuries, burns, or even death. This lesson will teach you how to identify electrical hazards and practice safe behaviors to protect yourself and others. We will look at common electrical appliances found in our homes and schools and discuss how to use them safely.

Lesson notes

What is Electricity? Electricity is a form of energy that powers many things around us, from lights and TVs to computers and refrigerators. It travels through wires and powers appliances when a circuit is complete.

Electrical Hazards: These are situations or things that can cause electric shock, burns, or even fire.

Common electrical hazards include: Damaged cords and plugs: Wires inside the cords can become exposed if the insulation is damaged. Touching exposed wires can cause a shock. Never use appliances with frayed or damaged cords. Always inform an adult if you see a damaged cord.

Think of it like this: the cord is like a road for the electricity. If the road is broken (damaged), the electricity can escape and hurt someone.

Overloaded sockets: Plugging too many appliances into one socket can overload the circuit and cause a fire. A socket can only handle a certain amount of electricity. If we try to use more electricity than it can handle, it gets overloaded, like trying to fit too many people into a small car.

Water and electricity: Water is a good conductor of electricity. This means that electricity can travel easily through water. Never touch electrical appliances or outlets with wet hands, and never use electrical appliances near water (like bathtubs or sinks). Imagine water as a highway for electricity. If there's water around an electrical appliance, the electricity can use the water to travel and shock you.

Touching bare wires: Never touch exposed wires. They carry electricity and can cause a severe shock. Think of bare wires like a snake. You wouldn't touch a snake, would you? Bare wires are just as dangerous! Playing near electrical substations or pylons: These areas are very dangerous due to high voltage electricity. Always keep a safe distance. These are like big "power houses" for electricity. They are very powerful and very dangerous.

Safe Practices: Always use appliances with dry hands. Dry your hands thoroughly before touching any electrical appliance. Do not overload sockets. Use a power strip with a built-in circuit breaker if you need to plug in multiple devices. Power strips help distribute electricity safely. Never use damaged cords or plugs. Tell an adult immediately if you see a damaged cord or plug. Keep electrical appliances away from water. Never use a hairdryer near a bathtub or a radio near a sink. Do not stick objects into electrical outlets. Outlets are designed for plugs only. Sticking objects into outlets can cause a shock. If an appliance gives you a shock, stop using it immediately and tell an adult. Do not play near electrical substations or pylons.

Emergency Situations: If someone is being shocked: Do not touch the person directly. Instead, turn off the power at the main switch or use a non-conductive object (like a wooden broom handle) to move the person away from the source of electricity. Call for help immediately. It's like a rescue mission! You need to save the person, but you need to do it safely without getting hurt yourself.

If there is a fire caused by electricity: Do not use water to put out the fire. Use a fire extinguisher designed for electrical fires. Call for help immediately. Water makes the fire worse.

Worked example

Scenario: Zanele sees a toaster with a frayed cord. What should she do?

Solution: Zanele should not use the toaster. She should immediately tell a responsible adult (like her parents or teacher) about the damaged cord. Using the toaster with a frayed cord could cause a shock or a fire.

Scenario: Thabo wants to charge his phone, his tablet, and play his video game all at the same time from one socket. What is the problem and how can he resolve it safely?

Solution: The problem is that Thabo is overloading the socket. To solve this safely, Thabo should use a power strip with a built-in circuit breaker to plug in all his devices. Make sure the total power draw of the devices is not greater than the power strip rating. Alternatively, he should charge them one at a time.

Scenario: Maria is drying her hair with a hairdryer in the bathroom. She accidentally drops the hairdryer into the sink filled with water. What should she do?

Solution: Maria should not touch the hairdryer or the water. She should immediately turn off the power at the main switch (if safe to do so) and call for help. Touching the hairdryer or water could cause a severe electric shock.

Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question: List three things you should NOT do near electricity.

Solution:

Do not use appliances with wet hands.

Do not overload sockets.

Do not use damaged cords or plugs.

Commentary: This question tests the learner’s understanding of the key hazards associated with electricity.

Question: Your friend is being shocked by a faulty appliance. What is the first thing you should do?

Solution: The first thing you should do is turn off the power at the main switch or use a non-conductive object (like a wooden broom handle) to move the person away from the source of electricity. Do not touch your friend directly.

Commentary: This question tests the learner's knowledge of emergency procedures. It emphasizes the importance of not touching the person being shocked.

Question: You see a sign that says "Danger: High Voltage." Where do you think you are, and what should you do?

Solution: You are likely near an electrical substation or pylons. You should keep a safe distance and never enter the area.

Commentary: This question assesses the learner's ability to recognize warning signs and understand the danger associated with high voltage electricity.

Question: Why is it dangerous to use a cell phone while it is charging near water?

Solution: Water is a conductor of electricity. If the cell phone or charging adapter falls into the water, the electricity can travel through the water and cause a severe electric shock. Using an electrical appliance near water is always dangerous.

Commentary: This question builds upon the concept of water being a conductor of electricity.

Question: Sindi wants to plug her television, DVD player, and gaming console into a single electrical outlet. What could happen if she does this and what is a safer alternative?

Solution: Plugging all these devices into a single outlet could overload the circuit, potentially causing a fire. A safer alternative is to use a power strip with a built-in circuit breaker. This distributes the electricity safely and can prevent overloading.

Commentary: The question introduces circuit overload and the role of a surge protector in safety.

Independent Practice (Questions Only)

What are three common electrical appliances found in your home?

What could happen if you stick a metal fork into an electrical outlet?

Why should you never fly a kite near power lines?

You see a puddle of water near an electrical outlet. What should you do?

Why is it important to tell an adult if you see a damaged electrical cord?

Name two things you should never do in the bathroom with an electrical appliance.

What is a circuit breaker, and why is it important?

Design a poster that promotes electrical safety in your home or school. (This can be a drawing).

A lightbulb is flickering constantly. What could be the problem and who should you tell?

How can you tell if an electrical outlet is overloaded?