Summary

The activity is intended to introduce the class to the idea that some everyday objects need electricity to work. The initial page asks pupils to identify items that use electricity. Subsequent pages require pupils to drag electrical items into the room in a house where they might be used. The final page asks pupils to identify objects that need either mains or battery power to work and can be used to discuss safety (battery being safer than mains).

Suitable for

Year 1

Using a non-interactive whiteboard

Page 1 involves annotating the picture. This can be done by projection onto a standard whiteboard and using dry wipe markers.

The remaining pages, which require items to be dragged, can be completed using a standard mouse to drag items around the screen.

Prior learning required

None

Aims and objectives

To know that many everyday appliances use electricity.

Timings

Each of the first three pages should take approximately five minutes. The final page would take a similar time if used solely as an interactive page, but will take slightly longer if it is used to stimulate discussion about safety with electricity and advantages of batteries or mains electricity.

Suggestions for group activities

Find things in the classroom that use electricity. Cut out pictures of electrical items from catalogues and paste them onto a house picture in the correct rooms.
Find some toys that need to be switched on to make them work.

Suggestions for differentiation

More able pupils could be given a selection of items, including some which do not use electricity to work, and asked to say how they are powered (if at all).

Further activities

Provide a simple circuit, with a switch to light a bulb, demonstrating the wiring, battery, bulb and switch.

Curriculum links

Science KS1
Physical Processes 1.1