Electrical Energy

About this reader

This 4th-grade science passage explores the concept of electrical energy, a core topic in the NGSS standards. Students will learn that electrical energy is the result of moving electrons and is used to power everyday devices. The passage provides a simple definition of energy and explains a simple circuit, with its three main parts: a power source, wires, and a device. This resource is designed to improve reading comprehension skills while teaching foundational science concepts. It aligns with the NGSS standard PS3.A, which focuses on the definition of energy and its transfer.

Written by Workybooks TeamPublished by Workybooks

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Sample passage and quiz content

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Electrical Energy is the power we use every day. It comes from the movement of tiny particles called electrons. Electrons are like a team of tiny runners, racing through wire highways to deliver energy wherever we need it!

We get electrical energy from power plants. These plants burn fuels, or use wind, water, or sunlight, to push electrons through wires. The electrons travel from the power plant to our homes through a network of wires. When you turn on the lights, charge your tablet, or play video games, you are using electrical energy flowing from an outlet.

For electricity to work, it needs a complete loop called a circuit. If a circuit is broken, like when you flip a switch off, the electrons stop moving. That’s why lights go out when you turn off the switch!

Some materials let electricity flow easily—these are called conductors. Metals like copper are great conductors, so wires are made from them. Other materials, called insulators, stop electricity from moving. Rubber and plastic are insulators, which is why wires are covered with them to keep us safe.

Safety is important with electricity. Never touch outlets with wet hands, never stick anything in an outlet, and stay away from power lines. These rules protect you from getting hurt by electrical energy.

Electricity can also be stored in batteries. Inside a battery, chemical energy is changed into electrical energy. That’s how flashlights and many toys work without being plugged in.

Sometimes, electricity appears naturally, like static electricity. When you shuffle your feet on a carpet, you build up extra electrons. When you touch metal, the electrons jump and you feel a shock!

Interesting Fact: Lightning is a giant natural spark of electrical energy. One lightning bolt can have billions of volts!

What are electrons?

Tiny particles that carry energyBig balls of energyParts of plantsA type of wire

Why are wires covered in plastic?

Plastic is a conductorTo keep us safeTo look prettyPlastic makes energy

What is a circuit?

A broken wireA batteryA complete loop for electricityAn electric shock

What happens if a circuit is broken?

Electricity flows fasterLights turn offMore energy is madeBatteries charge

Why should you never touch outlets with wet hands?

It is safeIt is funIt can hurt youIt charges batteries

What do power plants do?