Staying Safe Around Electricity!

Why don’t birds get electric shocks when sitting on power lines? What causes an electric shock? What should you never use on an electrical fire? Electricity has become such an integral part of our daily lives that we sometimes take it for granted. When used properly and with care, we can avoid potentially dangerous electrical hazards. 

As part of the Girls’ School Year 4-6 current Science study, ‘Magnets and Electricity’, an educator from VECTOR came and spoke to them about staying safe around electricity. The girls learnt where power comes from, ways electricity can be dangerous, how to use electricity the right way, what to do in an emergency and that the key to preventing a dangerous situation is understanding how things work. They also learnt about the electricians who work on the power lines and why they don’t get shocked. They are highly trained to work with electricity and wear special insulated boots, hard hats, retardant jackets, insulated tools and equipment. 

The girls learnt that an electric insulator is a material whose internal electric charges do not flow easily, allowing it to prevent or block the flow of electricity such as rubber, plastic, glass or porcelain. A conductor is an object or type of material that allows the flow of an electrical current in one or more directions. Material made of metal are common conductors, whilst water, humans, animals and plants can also conduct an electric charge. 

Watching a short-animated video on Mr Positive and Mr Negative, helped the girls think about all the useful things we can use electricity for, with the main emphasis on safety in the home. It has also enabled a point of discussion for the girls to have with families to check their appliances, power sockets, cables and wires with the girls’ newfound awareness of how to spot potential hazards and what to do in an emergency. 

Thank you to Mrs Esther Bruning from VECTOR for coming to talk to the girls about how to stay safe around electricity. We know they have taken a lot away from the session and are well prepared!