Dangers of Carbon Monoxide

CfE Experiences and Outcomes

I know and can demonstrate how to keep myself and others safe and how to respond in a range of emergency situations. HWB 2-17

I know of actions I can take to help someone in an emergency. HWB 2-42a

1.  Connecting the Learning - Ask the class to recall lessons on Fire Safety (especially Second Level Activity 3) and to explain why smoke is so dangerous. (Smoke inhalation can kill or seriously damage the lungs.) Explain that in this lesson the class are going to learn about a gas called Carbon Monoxide, which can be as harmful as smoke from a fire but is invisible. Ask if anyone in the class has heard of Carbon Monoxide (CO) and establish what they know.
   
2.   Sharing the Learning Outcomes -

• I can name the dangers and some of the causes of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• I can identify some steps in keeping safe from CO poisoning.
• I know how to what to do if a CO alarm sounds.
   
3.  Active Learning - Show the class the Carbon Monoxide facts page on the interactive whiteboard (Go Safe website 2nd Level Home Activity 4.) Read through the facts and ask the class if they have any ideas for how people could keep safe from CO. Prompt them (if needed) with the question, ‘What warns people about smoke in the house?’

Show the picture on Interactive Whiteboard of a Carbon Monoxide alarm and discuss where it would be best placed in the house. (Answer – near the sleeping area, not beside a cooker or boiler.) Ask, ‘What should you do if the alarm sounds?’ (Answer – Open windows and doors. Get everyone out of the house. Call the National Gas Emergency number – 0800 111 999)
   
4. Demonstrating Understanding - With the class in 5 or 6 groups give each group one of the Carbon Monoxide facts cards (printed off from the Go Safe website as above.) Ask each group to come up with a safety slogan or warning to deal with the fact, e.g. Fact – CO is a colourless poisonous gas that cannot be smelt. Slogan – ‘Fit a CO detector in your home. It could save your life!’ After a given time ask the groups to feedback and compare with the safety rules on the Go Safe website.
   
5. Review and Recall - Remind the class about the Learning Outcomes and ask the children to explain why CO is so dangerous, where you might find it and how you can keep safe from CO poisoning.
Image of Dangers of Carbon Monoxide
Skip to activity

Please select your region from the list below:

Please enter your username and password and press the "log in" button


*

*