1. Explore electrical appliances and electrical safety

Prior Learning: This is the first unit children experience as part of the National Curriculum and lays the foundation of knowledge they need before revisiting electricity again during year 6.

Starter

Assess the children’s understanding of electricity by asking them to identify the electrical and non-electrical appliances in the presentation.

Main Teaching

Rocket Thinking - Teacher Notes: A PNQ question challenges the children to think of something positive, something negative, and a question - all in response to the slide. This question is placed at the beginning of the unit to give the children an opportunity to explore the purpose, uses and importance of electricity. Without electricity, our lives would be drastically different; some thoughts may include:

• We wouldn’t be able to use a lot of household appliances, such as washing machines, dishwashers, hoovers, etc.
• Our homes wouldn’t have lights or lamps.
• We wouldn’t have phones, electronic games or TVs, so may spend more time playing outdoors.
• Would climate change slow down?

Use the presentation to teach the children about where electricity comes from, how it reaches our houses and the difference between mains and battery-powered appliances. The presentation provides an opportunity for children to list electrical appliances, according to whether they use mains electricity, or disposable/renewable batteries. This can be completed in small groups on whiteboards or as class. The presentation also enables the children to learn about the dangers of electricity and how to stay safe. Throughout the lesson, discuss real-life situations where the children might use electricity. Enable them to talk about their own experiences and how they were able to stay safe, including discussing tips they might give each other to stay safe. Encourage them to ask questions and ensure they understand that they must seek adult supervision when using mains electricity.

Career Film: Take a tour around Rolls Royce Submarines' Nuclear Skills Academy to find out about Chris' job. Chris works as a Materials Engineer for Rolls Royce Submarines. 

Expert Film: This is Chris. Chris works as a Materials Engineer for Rolls Royce Submarines. Listen to Chris as he describes electrical appliances and electrical safety.

Mission Assignment

Ask the children to create a poster that shows the dangers of electricity and how to stay safe.

Challenge Task: Ask the children to write down 5 electrical safety rules which will keep them safe in the kitchen.