Flicking the Switch Level 21-22

Flicking the Switch takes readers on a journey through time, comparing life today with the world of 150 years ago, when there was no electricity. Through the story of a child born in 1851, the book illustrates daily routines without modern conveniences, then contrasts these with familiar technologies in children's lives today. With non-fiction features such as diagrams, a glossary, and a detailed index, this book enhances comprehension of historical and technological development. The dual illustrative styles help distinguish between past and present, while simple yet accurate explanations of electrical appliances promote understanding of science and invention. Questions, instructions, and specialised terms like œignition and œspiral signals are embedded throughout the text, encouraging readers to engage in reflective and comparative thinking. This resource is ideal for supporting historical inquiry and STEM education.

Educational Benefits:

• Builds understanding of historical change and technological progress.
• Develops procedural reading and comprehension.
• Encourages comparison and contrast between past and present.
• Supports vocabulary expansion in science and history contexts.

Classroom Ideas:

• Create a timeline comparing life in 1851 to today.
• Construct simple circuits to explore electricity basics.
• Write a diary entry from the perspective of a child in 1851.
• Discuss how electricity impacts daily life through a classroom debate.

Safety & Information:

• Suitable for ages: 7-9
• Size: 150mm x 210mm
• Safety: No experiments included; suitable for classroom use; factual content only.