Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 4
Life Skills 4 6 Topic for Term 2, Week 6
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Life Skills 4 6 Topic for Term 2, Week 6
Download the Lessonotes Mobile South Africa app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Subject: Life Skills
Class: Grade 4
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 6
Theme: General lesson support
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This week, we will be focusing on Safety Rules Related to Electricity. Electricity is an essential part of our daily lives. We use it to power our lights, TVs, fridges, and many other things that make our lives comfortable.
However, electricity can also be dangerous if we don't use it properly. In South Africa, many homes and communities, especially in informal settlements, may have unsafe wiring or access to electricity.
Therefore, understanding how to be safe around electricity is vital for all learners to prevent accidents and injuries at home, at school, and in the community. This knowledge can also empower you to educate your family and friends about electrical safety.
What is Electricity? Electricity is a form of energy that flows through wires and powers many devices we use every day. Think of it like water flowing through pipes – the water (electricity) needs a safe path (wires) to reach its destination (your TV or light bulb). In South Africa, Eskom is the primary supplier of electricity, and we pay for the electricity we use. Common Household Items that Use Electricity: Lights (light bulbs, lamps) Television Refrigerator Oven Toaster Kettle Microwave Computer/Laptop Cellphone Charger Hairdryer Safety Rules for Using Electricity: Never touch electrical appliances with wet hands: Water conducts electricity, meaning it allows electricity to flow easily through it. If you touch an electrical appliance with wet hands, the electricity can flow through your body, causing an electric shock.
Example: After washing your hands, dry them thoroughly before touching the light switch or plugging in your phone charger.
Why it's important: In many South African homes, bathrooms and kitchens are close to electrical outlets, making it easy to accidentally touch an outlet with wet hands. Never insert objects into electrical outlets: Outlets are designed to provide electricity to appliances through plugs. Inserting other objects, like metal forks or keys, can create a short circuit and cause a dangerous shock or even a fire.
Example: Do not try to poke a key, paperclip, or any other object into an electrical outlet.
Why it's important: Children may be curious about outlets, especially those at their eye level. It's crucial to explain the dangers of tampering with them.
Do not overload electrical outlets: Plugging too many appliances into one outlet can overload the circuit, causing it to overheat and potentially start a fire. Use a power strip with a built-in circuit breaker for multiple devices.
Example: Avoid plugging a kettle, a toaster, and a microwave into the same outlet using multiple adaptors. This is especially important in areas with older wiring.
Why it's important: Overloaded outlets are a common cause of house fires, particularly in areas with informal electrical connections. Keep electrical cords and wires in good condition: Frayed or damaged cords can expose wires, creating a shock hazard. Regularly inspect cords for any signs of damage and replace them if necessary.
Example: If you see a tear in the plastic coating of a phone charger cable, stop using it immediately and replace it.
Why it's important: In South Africa, many people rely on extension cords, making regular inspection crucial. Never use electrical appliances near water: Bathrooms and kitchens are particularly hazardous areas because of the presence of water. Keep electrical appliances away from sinks, bathtubs, and showers.
Example: Do not use a hairdryer near a sink filled with water.
Why it's important: Small bathrooms common in South African houses increase the risk of appliances being close to water.
Always ask an adult for help: If you are unsure about how to use an electrical appliance safely, ask an adult for help.
Example: Instead of trying to fix a faulty plug yourself, ask a parent, guardian, or teacher for assistance.
Why it's important: Adults have more experience and knowledge about electrical safety.
Potential Electrical Hazards: Damaged electrical cords: Exposed wires can cause shocks.
Overloaded outlets: Can cause fires.
Water near electricity: Creates a path for electricity to flow through your body.
Touching a downed power line: Power lines carry extremely high voltage and can be fatal.
Unprotected outlets: Outlets without covers can be dangerous, especially for young children.
What to do in case of an electrical shock: Do not touch the person: If someone is being shocked, do not touch them directly, as you could become part of the electrical circuit.
Turn off the power source: If possible, switch off the electricity at the main switch (circuit breaker) or unplug the appliance.
Call for help: Call emergency services (10177 from any phone) or ask someone else to call. Use a non-conductive object to separate the person from the electricity: Use a dry wooden stick or a plastic object to push the person away from the electrical source.
Wait for medical assistance: Stay with the person and monitor their breathing and pulse until emergency services arrive. Why water and electricity are a dangerous combination: Water is a good conductor of electricity. This means that electricity can easily flow through water. When you touch something electrical with wet hands, the electricity can flow through your body, which is mostly water, causing a shock. This is why it's important to keep electrical appliances away from water and always dry your hands thoroughly before touching anything electrical. Guided Practice (With Solutions)
Question 1: Thando wants to toast bread for breakfast. She plugs the toaster into an outlet and then spills water near the outlet. What should Thando do?