Children's windy world

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Electricity is a very important form of energy which we use on Earth and it is used in all parts of our daily lives. There are two types of electricity which are:

• Static Electricity - you sometimes feel this if you touch something metal and receive a short, sharp, shock and a tingling sensation in your fingers.
• Current Electricity - this is used to power our homes, schools, businesses and many more things. We cannot see it, but we can see what it does e.g. a light bulb works and is shining, the TV is on, the fridge is cold.

Electricity is also used for:

• Powering engines to drive trains, airplanes, cars, motorcycles.
• Powering batteries in watches, clocks, remote controls, mobile phones
• Powering light bulbs
• Powering heating systems, water systems
• Powering toasters, kettles, microwaves, radios

Can you think of anything else that uses electricity?

Energy Efficiency is using just enough energy for what we need and not using extra for waste. This means we should use energy more wisely and not waste it. Because fossil fuels are running out, we should be more careful with the energy we do use. For example, leaving a bedroom light on when we are not in the room, or having a window open whilst the heating is on, are both major examples of how energy is wasted.

Think about the questions below and see if you could save energy and be more efficient at home and at school.

• Do you use energy saving light bulbs?
• Do you always switch the light off when you leave a room?
• Do you always switch the TV and computer off and do not leave it on standby?
• Do you make sure the tap has stopped dripping when you have finished in the bathroom and kitchen?
• Does your house have double glazed windows and doors?
• Does your house have loft insulation?
• Do you always close the doors and windows when the heating is on?

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