Welcome to The Regenerators.
Introduction
Electricity is a type of energy that we use every day.
Televisions, ovens and lights in your home all use electricity.
Some electricity is made using methods that harm the planet. But we can help by turning things off when we finish using them, which saves energy.
Electricity at home
Find out with Leon and Debbie about all the things that use electricity and why it is important to turn electrical items off after using them.
(UPBEAT MUSIC)
Leon: I am Leon and this is Debbie. We are change champs, and we want to learn how electricity in our home affects the planet.
Kids: Hi.
Debbie: So we have invited green electricity expert, Cameron, to our house to learn all about this.
We want to find out all about electricity.
Cameron: So electricity is delivered to your house through cables so you'd have all the energy that you need for your toaster, your shower, your heating, everything.
Leon: We want to find out about the power that we use in our homes.
Cameron: All of us need energy to live our lives. And that energy has to come from somewhere. Unfortunately, a lot of this energy is produced by burning fossil fuels, which releases greenhouse gases and causes global warming. Now some of our energy comes from renewable natural sources that don't damage our planet. Can you guys think of any?
Leon: Wind, like wind turbines?
Debbie: Does the sun give us energy?
Cameron: Yes, it does, it's called solar power. Now, look at this. We also have hydro power, geothermal, and tidal power. Now all of these are renewable energy sources, meaning they're great for the planet. Until we can power everything with green energy, we can help the planet by using less energy in our homes.
Leon: How can we do that?
Cameron: Three important words, turn it off. So when you're finished using something?
Debbie: Turn it off?
Cameron: Then turn it off, yes. And this will help us use less energy and help the planet. I have a very special mission for you.
Leon: Cool.
Debbie: Your mission is to place stickers near any item in the house that uses power.
Cameron: We have to be really careful around electricity because it can be dangerous. Never go near a broken or damaged cable, and always ask an adult before turning anything on or off. Now you're gonna need these. Ready, set, go!
(UPBEAT MUSIC)
So, as you can see, there's loads of stuff around the home that uses electricity in a really useful way. And when we're not using it, what do we have to do?
Kids: Turn it off.
Cameron: Yes, and if we all do that, then we can all help save the planet.
Kids: Yay!
Leon: We had a great time with Cameron. We now know how to be change champs in our own homes.
Now see if you can find all the things in this activity that use electricity.
How is electricity made?
There are different ways to make the energy we need for electricity.
Gas and coal
Burning natural gas and oil creates a lot of heat. This heat can be then be used to make electricity.
Wind turbine
The wind turns the turbine which can be used to make electricity. Have you seen wind turbines at the sea or in the countryside?
Solar panels
Solar panels make electricity by using energy from the sun. You can see solar panels on the top of some houses and buildings.
Tidal energy
This is similar to using wind energy but underwater. The rising and falling sea turns the turbines in the water.
Nuclear power
Nuclear power is created by complex scientific reactions. It makes lots of heat which can then be used to make electricity.
Some of the methods used to make electricity harm our planet.
Gas and coal are fossil fuels. Burning them releases carbon dioxide which makes the greenhouse gas layer around the earth thicker, leading to climate change.
But there are lots of ways to make electricity which are not as harmful.
Renewable natural energy
Electricity can be made from renewable natural energy sources.
We call them renewable because they can be used again and again without running out.
Even better, they don't release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
See how many types of renewable energy you can find in this activity.
What can I do to save electricity?
Turning things off after using them is not the only way to save electricity.
Here are some more electricity-saving ideas.
Image caption, Being together
Playing games together and watching the same programmes can lower the number of electrical devices being used. It's nice to get outside with your family and friends too.
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How can I stay safe around electricity?
Electricity is useful but it can be dangerous.
Watch this video to find out how to stay safe.
Top tips
Always ask a responsible adult to help you when around any plug sockets or turning an item off.
Liquids. Remember to keep drinks and any other liquids away from electrical items.
Does it look safe? With an adult, always check plug sockets and cables look safe before using them.
Lesson complete!
Well done Regenerator, you've completed this lesson. Now let's see what you can remember.
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