Generating and transporting electricity (non-statutory)
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how electricity is generated and reaches our homes.
Key learning points
- Traditional power stations burn coal or gas to generate electricity.
- Electricity is generated when the blades of a turbine turn causing a magnet to spin inside a coil of wire.
- Electricity is generated at traditional power stations or using the wind, water or the Sun.
- Electricity is transported around the country and to our homes through metal cables.
Keywords
Electricity - Electricity is needed for lighting, heating and making machines and appliances work.
Generate - To generate electricity is to produce it.
Power station - Electricity is generated at a power station.
Turbine - A turbine is a machine through which liquid or gas flows to turn a wheel.
Pylon - A pylon is a tall tower for carrying electricity cables high above the ground.
Common misconception
Electricity comes from the plug sockets in our homes. When electrical appliances are used, the electricity goes into them but is not part of a complete circuit.
Pupils will be taught where and how electricity is generated and how it is transported to our homes.
Teacher tip
Encourage pupils to consider and recount the different stages in electricity generation and transport, from the power station to our plugs and switches.
Equipment
None
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following is the name of the component shown?
Q2.Which of the following circuits is complete?
Q3.Match the following properties of a material to the product it would be used for.
handle and casing on a vacuum cleaner
wiring of a vacuum cleaner
Q4.Which of the following conducts electricity?
Q5.Some metals electricity better than others.
Q6.Which two of the following are electrical insulators?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.To generate electricity means…
Q2.Which of the following are used for electricity generation?
Q3.How is electricity transported to our homes?
Q4.What is the name of the tall towers which carry electrical cables high above the ground?
Q5.How do the blades of turbines move to generate electricity?
Q6.Which of the following do traditional power stations burn to generate electricity?
To help you plan your 4 science lesson on: Generating and transporting electricity (non-statutory), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 4 science lesson on: Generating and transporting electricity (non-statutory), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 science lessons from the Simple electrical circuits unit, dive into the full primary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.