Ten everyday actions go into a Safe or Unsafe chart on page 1 of this 4th grade science sheet, from pulling a plug by the plug to climbing a utility pole. Page 2 asks students to write two electrical safety rules for their own home and to say why water is dangerous near electricity. A photo of a plugged-in cord sits beside the rule lines. Page 3 is the answer key.
“Sort everyday actions into safe and unsafe around electricity.”
The ten-action chart on page 1.
“Write rules for staying safe around outlets, cords and appliances.”
Rule 1 and Rule 2 on page 2.
“Say why water and electricity are a dangerous mix.”
The last question on page 2.
A list of ten actions, such as keeping drinks away from computers, flying a kite near power lines and plugging many cords into one outlet. Students write each one in the Safe column or the Unsafe column. Five belong in each.
Two labeled spaces, Rule 1 and Rule 2, with a photo of a plug in a wall outlet beside them.
One written question, Why is water dangerous near electricity?, with five lines for the answer.
The sorted columns, four sample home rules and a model answer saying that tap water and bathwater conduct electricity.
Start of the unit
Run it before students handle batteries and bulbs. They then have a set of rules to point back to during the hands-on work.
The close calls
Plugging many cords into one outlet starts more discussion than any other item. Ask students what could get hot.
Home link
Send page 2 home as a task. Students look around one room with a parent and bring back a rule they actually saw broken or kept.
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