The Power of Green program reinforces language arts, math, and science skills while exploring tips for conserving energy and recycling, and teaching about electric and gas safety.
Through a story about a family’s experience, students will learn what a natural gas leak smells like and what to do if they suspect a leak.
Skills supporting learning standards: Reading comprehension, participating in group discussions
- About Gas Safety Student Activity Sheet printable
- Energy Safety Tips for Families printable
- Energy Safety Tips for Families Spanish printable
Step 1: Explain to students that some appliances work by electricity and some use natural gas. For example, some stoves, ovens, heaters, and water heaters run on natural gas. Ask students:
- Why do you think it’s important to use electricity and natural gas safely?
They can cause burns, shocks, fires, and explosions.
- What can we do to be safe around appliances that run on electricity and natural gas?
Answers may include that only adults should use appliances such as stoves and ovens, it’s important to keep liquids away from electronics, etc.
Step 2: Distribute copies of the About Gas Safety Student Activity Sheet printable. For younger students, read the passage together. Older students may read the page independently and then discuss it as a class.
Step 3: After reading the passage, have students answer the questions, and then review the responses as a group. Emphasize to students that it is important they tell a grown-up they know if they think they smell gas or if they see anything unsafe. Answers:
- Ava said she smelled rotten eggs.
- A natural gas leak caused the smell.
- Three things the family did right include moving away from the area where they smelled gas, reporting the smell to the gas company, and not ignoring the smell.
- Mr. James could have called the gas company or 911 to report the smell.
- If families smell gas, they should not turn on lights or appliances, use their phones, or light matches.
- Kids should tell a trusted grown-up right away.
Step 4: Encourage students to share the story with their families to reinforce these important messages.
Make copies of the Energy Safety Tips for Families printable and send them home to parents and caregivers. The page includes gas and electrical safety tips that could help keep the families in your community safe.