Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 4

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Define electricity and identify electrical appliances.
• Identify at least three electrical hazards.
• Explain and demonstrate three safety rules.
• Describe what to do in an electrical emergency.
• Recognize electrical safety symbols.

Lesson summary

Electricity is a powerful force that makes our lives easier, powering our homes, schools, and communities.

However, it can also be dangerous if not handled properly. In South Africa, many communities still rely on various electrical sources, some of which may not be as safe as others. Learning about electrical safety is crucial to protect ourselves and our loved ones from harm, preventing accidents and ensuring a safe environment for everyone. Understanding these safety rules is particularly important given the prevalence of informal settlements and potential exposure to unsafe wiring.

Lesson notes

What is Electricity? Electricity is a form of energy that makes things work. It flows through wires and circuits, powering appliances like lights, TVs, stoves, and computers. Think of it like water flowing through a pipe; the water is the electricity, and the pipe is the wire.

Electrical Appliances: These are devices that use electricity to perform a task.

Examples include: Lights: Provide illumination.

Television: For entertainment and information.

Refrigerator: Keeps food cold.

Stove/Oven: For cooking.

Iron: Smooths clothes.

Cell phone charger: Charges cell phones.

Electrical Hazards: These are things that can cause electric shock, burns, or fires.

Some common hazards include: Damaged Cords: Worn or frayed cords can expose wires, leading to shocks or fires. Imagine a garden hose with a hole; water sprays out everywhere, which is similar to electricity escaping from a damaged cord.

Overloaded Outlets: Plugging too many appliances into one outlet can overheat the wires and cause a fire. It’s like trying to fit too many people into a small taxi; it becomes dangerous.

Water and Electricity: Water conducts electricity, making it very dangerous to use electrical appliances near water. Imagine dropping your phone in the bath; it’s not safe to pick it up until the water is gone and the phone is dry.

Touching Electrical Wires: Never touch bare wires or electrical panels, as they can deliver a dangerous shock. It's like touching a hot stove; it will burn you.

Flying Kites/Playing near Power Lines: In South Africa, especially in townships, children sometimes play near power lines. Kites can get tangled in them, or even just being too close carries a risk of electrocution.

Electrical Safety Rules: Inspect Cords Regularly: Check for damage and replace any worn or frayed cords.

Don't Overload Outlets: Use power strips with surge protectors to manage multiple devices safely.

Keep Water Away from Electricity: Never use electrical appliances near water. Dry your hands thoroughly before touching anything electrical.

Never Touch Bare Wires: If you see a bare wire, tell an adult immediately.

Stay Away from Power Lines: Never climb trees near power lines or fly kites near them.

Use Appliances Correctly: Follow the instructions for using each appliance.

Electrical Emergency: An electrical emergency is a situation where someone is being shocked, there is a fire, or you see exposed wires.

What to do in an Electrical Emergency: Call for Help: Tell an adult immediately. If possible, call the emergency services (10111) from a safe distance.

Do Not Touch the Person Being Shocked: Electricity can pass through them to you.

Turn Off the Power: If it is safe to do so, turn off the power at the main switch.

Use a Non-Conductive Object: If you cannot turn off the power, use a dry wooden broom handle or a dry towel to gently push the person away from the electrical source.

Electrical Safety Symbols: These symbols are used to warn people about electrical hazards.

Common symbols include: Danger: High Voltage: A symbol with a lightning bolt inside a triangle, indicating a dangerous amount of electricity.

Electrical Hazard: A symbol showing a person being shocked.

Worked example

Scenario: You see a power cord with exposed wires. What should you do?

Solution: Immediately tell an adult. Do not touch the cord or try to fix it yourself. Exposed wires are very dangerous and can cause a serious shock.

Scenario: Your friend is using a hairdryer near a sink full of water. What should you do?

Solution: Tell your friend to stop immediately. Explain that water conducts electricity and using electrical appliances near water is extremely dangerous. Advise them to move to a dry area before using the hairdryer.

Scenario: You want to plug in your phone charger, your TV, and your game console into the same outlet. What should you do?

Solution: Use a power strip with a surge protector. Explain that plugging too many appliances into one outlet can overload the circuit and cause a fire. The power strip will distribute the electricity safely.

Guided Practice (With Solutions)

Question 1: Sipho is trying to unplug a toaster, but his hands are wet. Is this safe? Why or why not?

Solution: No, this is not safe. Water conducts electricity, and Sipho could get an electric shock. He should dry his hands thoroughly before touching any electrical appliance.

Question 2: Maria sees a kite stuck in power lines. What should she do?

Solution: Maria should not try to retrieve the kite herself. She should tell an adult immediately. Touching power lines can be fatal. The adult can then contact the electricity company to safely remove the kite.

Question 3: Thando wants to fix a lamp with a damaged cord using tape. Is this a good idea? Why or why not?

Solution: No, this is not a good idea. Tape is not a proper fix for a damaged cord. The exposed wires can still be dangerous. Thando should tell an adult to replace the cord or the entire lamp.

Question 4: You see a sign with a lightning bolt inside a triangle. What does this sign mean?

Solution: This sign means "Danger: High Voltage." It warns people that there is a dangerous amount of electricity present and to stay away.

Independent Practice (Questions Only)

What are three things you should never do around electricity?

Why is it important to keep electrical appliances away from water?

What should you do if you see someone getting shocked by electricity?

List five electrical appliances commonly found in your home.

Explain how overloading an electrical outlet can be dangerous.

What is the purpose of electrical safety symbols? Give an example of one and its meaning.

Imagine you are walking home from school and you see a fallen power line. What do you do?

Your little brother is playing with a metal fork near an electrical socket. What should you do?

Write down three rules to remember when using electricity.

Draw an electrical safety symbol and explain what it means.