A Source of Power: young children's understanding of where electricity comes from

Abstract

This article reports on the findings of a study of the views of 115 children, between the ages of 7 and 11, about where electricity comes from. The evidence indicates that, although there is a correlation between age and awareness that electricity is generated, and that it has to travel through wires, many children have a very limited understanding of the source of electricity. There are also gender differences associated with this understanding, with girls being less likely than boys to identify a source of electricity and connections between the generation of electricity and electrical appliances. It is argued that unless children are helped to develop their understanding of how electricity is generated they will not benefit from studies of alternative energy sources, nor will they be in a position to make appropriate decisions about associated environmental issues in later life.