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Teacher's Centre : Younger Children
Why can a bird sit on overhead Power lines and not get electrocuted?
Birds can sit safely on a Power line because they do not complete a circuit with the ground. The ground acts like one of the wires in a circuit and so do you, this is called being 'earthed'.
Theme
Birds can touch Power lines because they are not 'earthed'. You cannot touch them as you are earthed.
Aim
- Understand the concept of 'earth'
- Understand the danger it causes
Suggested Activities
- Play 'Power Savers' game on the PowerWise website
- Build a simple circuit. Tell the children that they are the light bulb and the battery is the Power line. One wire is their connection with the Power line and one is the earth. Add one wire- the bulb will not light. Now add the 'earth' wire.
