The Interior — Family & Consumer SciencesGrades K–2
Unit 2 · Hot, Cold and Sharp
A unit of the course: the story, then chapter by chapter — sections, numbered lessons, a source or the numbers to read, three checks each — a review per chapter, and the wrap-up at the end.
Drawn scene: a kitchen stove with a steaming pot, an oven mitt and pot holder, a mug of cocoa on the counter and a pair of scissors resting point-down
2Unit
Hot, Cold and Sharp
Kitchen Safety
A kitchen is full of things that can hurt you. A stove that looks cool. A pot of steam. A pair of scissors. A glass that breaks. Most of them do not look dangerous at all. That is the tricky part.
In this unit you learn two big rules. Hot has no color, so ask before you touch. Sharp things travel point-down, so carry and pass them the right way. You will also learn what to do for a small burn and when a job belongs to a grown-up.
By the end, you will know how to stay safe near a stove, an oven, a freezer and a drawer of tools. You will be a helper a grown-up can trust in the kitchen.
How people learned it
Step 1
Walk into the kitchen. Stop and look. What is on the stove? What is on the table?
Step 2
See a mug or a pan. Ask a grown-up: Is this hot? Wait for the answer.
Step 3
A grown-up lifts a lid. Step back. Let the steam go up, not at you.
Step 4
A tray comes out of the oven. A grown-up wears a dry mitt. You stay back.
Step 5
Check the pot handles. They point in, toward the back of the stove.
Step 6
Time to help cut. Get the butter knife and the cutting board. Curl your fingers.
Step 7
Pass the scissors handle first. Say Got it? Wait. Then let go.
Step 8
Something falls. Step back. Let it land. Tell a grown-up.
Step 9
A small burn? Cool running water for a long time. Then tell a grown-up.
Step 10
Put every tool back, point down, in its place. The kitchen is safe again.
3
Chapter
Hot Has No Color
Heat Safety
Big questionHow can you tell if something is hot when hot has no color?
The story
The Cocoa That Looked Cool
A mug on the table looks safe. It is not.
Mia came into the kitchen after school. A blue mug sat on the table. It did not steam. It did not glow. It just looked like a mug of cocoa, ready to drink.
Mia grabbed the mug with both hands. Ouch! It was hot. She let go fast. The cocoa sloshed onto the table. Her fingers stung.
Dad ran cool water over her fingers. He held them under the tap for a long time. Then he said, "Hot has no color, Mia. You cannot see hot. You have to ask."
The next day Mia saw a mug on the table again. This time she did not touch it. She asked first. "Is this hot?" Dad smiled. "Good question. Yes, it is."
Talk about itWhy could Mia not tell the mug was hot just by looking at it?
Section 1
Hot Things Can Look Cool
3.1
Ask Before You Touch
Main ideaHot has no color, so ask a grown-up before you touch anything in the kitchen.
Look at a stove that is turned off. Now picture it turned on low. It looks the same. It is not the same. One can burn your hand.
A pan handle looks cool. A mug looks cool. A plate from the oven looks cool. Hot has no color. Your eyes cannot see it.
So here is the rule. Ask a grown-up first. Say, "Is this hot?" Wait for the answer. Then decide.
Words to know
burner
the round part on top of a stove that gets hot
hot
so warm it can hurt your skin
Check yourself
1. A stove burner is turned on low. What does it look like?
Why: Hot has no color. A warm burner can look just like a cold one.
2. You see a mug on the table. What should you do first?
Why: Asking first keeps your hands safe. You cannot see hot.
3. Why can you not tell a pan is hot by looking?
Why: Heat does not change how most things look. Your eyes cannot see it.
3.2
Steam Is Hot Too
Main ideaSteam is hot water in the air, and it can burn just like a hot pan.
A pot of soup bubbles on the stove. White puffs rise from the top. That is . Steam is water that got so hot it floats.
Steam can burn you. It is hotter than bath water. When a grown-up lifts a lid, steam rushes out. Keep your face and hands back.
The same is true for a microwave. Open a bowl of soup slowly. Tip the lid away from your face. Let the steam go up, not at you.
Words to know
steam
hot water floating in the air; it can burn you
Check yourself
1. What is steam?
Why: Steam is water that got so hot it floats up. It can burn.
2. A grown-up lifts a lid off a hot pot. What should you do?
Why: Steam rushes out when a lid comes off. Stay back from it.
3. You open a hot bowl from the microwave. How?
Why: Tipping the lid away lets steam go up and not at your face.
Section 2
Mitts, Holders and Handles
3.3
Mitts and Pot Holders
Main ideaAn oven mitt or pot holder goes between your hand and anything hot.
A tray of muffins is ready. The oven is at 350 °F. That is very hot. Nobody touches the tray with a bare hand.
A grown-up puts on an oven . A mitt is a thick glove. It goes between your hand and the hot tray. A is a thick square. It works the same way.
Never use a wet towel. Water lets heat through fast. A wet towel can burn you. Use a dry mitt every time.
Words to know
mitt
a thick glove that keeps hot things from burning your hand
pot holder
a thick square of cloth for holding a hot pan
Check yourself
1. What does an oven mitt do?
Why: A mitt is thick. It sits between your hand and the hot pan.
2. Why is a wet towel a bad pot holder?
Why: Wet cloth carries heat to your skin quickly. Use a dry mitt.
3. The oven is set to 350 °F. Who takes the tray out?
Why: Oven jobs are grown-up jobs at this age, and a dry mitt is the safe tool.
3.4
Handles Turned In
Main ideaPot handles point in toward the back of the stove so nobody can bump them.
Picture a pot on the front burner. Its handle sticks out over the edge. A little brother walks by. His arm hits the handle. The hot pot tips.
Now picture the same pot. The is turned in. It points toward the wall. Nobody can bump it. Nothing tips.
That is the rule. Handles turn in. Use the back burners when you can. Never grab a handle. It might be hot too.
Words to know
handle
the long part of a pot or pan that you hold
Check yourself
1. Which way should a pot handle point?
Why: A handle turned in cannot be bumped, so the pot cannot tip.
2. A handle sticks out over the front. What could happen?
Why: A handle that sticks out is easy to hit. A hot pot could fall.
3. Which burner is safest for a pot?
Why: Back burners are farther from little hands and walking bodies.
Section 3
Cold and Burns
3.5
Cold Can Hurt Too
Main ideaVery cold things like ice and freezer shelves can hurt your skin, so hold them briefly.
Open the . The freezer is kept at 0 °F. That is much colder than a fridge. Your breath makes a cloud.
Hold an ice cube in your bare hand. First it feels cool. Then it stings. Then it hurts. Very cold can hurt like hot.
So do not hold ice for a long time. Do not touch metal in the freezer with wet hands. Ask a grown-up to get frozen food out.
Words to know
freezer
the very cold box that keeps food frozen hard
Check yourself
1. You hold an ice cube for a long time. What happens?
Why: Very cold hurts skin, just as very hot does. Hold ice only briefly.
2. How cold is a freezer kept?
Why: A freezer is kept at 0 °F. That is cold enough to hurt bare skin.
3. Who should get frozen food out of the freezer?
Why: Frozen food and cold metal can hurt. Ask a grown-up to help.
3.6
A Small Burn: Cool Water
Main ideaFor a small burn, run cool water on it and tell a grown-up right away.
Say you touch a hot pan. Your finger stings. Here is what to do. First, go to the sink. Run over the burn.
Keep it under the water. Count slowly. Keep going for a long time. Cool water takes the heat out of your skin.
Then tell a grown-up. Always tell. Do not put butter or ice on a burn. Those make it worse. Cool water and a grown-up are the answer.
Words to know
cool water
water from the tap that is not hot and not icy
burn
a hurt spot on your skin from something hot
Check yourself
1. You get a small burn. What is the first thing to do?
Why: Cool running water takes heat out of the skin. It is the first step.
2. What should you NOT put on a burn?
Why: Ice and butter make a burn worse. Use cool water only.
3. After the cool water, what do you do?
Why: A grown-up needs to see every burn. Always tell.
Chapter review
Hot Has No Color
0 / 6
1. Why should you ask before you touch a pan?
Why: You cannot see heat. Asking a grown-up is the only sure way.
2. What comes out when a lid is lifted off a hot pot?
Why: Steam rushes out when a lid comes off. It can burn.
Why: Handles turned in cannot be bumped by a passing arm.
5. What temperature is a freezer kept at?
Why: Freezers are kept at 0 °F. Fridges are at or below 40 °F.
6. You burn your finger. What are the two right steps?
Why: Cool running water first, then always tell a grown-up.
Send it to your teacher
4
Chapter
Sharp Things Travel Point-Down
Sharp Safety
Big questionHow do we use sharp tools so nobody gets hurt?
The story
Passing the Scissors
One pair of scissors, six kids, and one right way to pass them.
It was craft time. Six kids sat at one table. There was one pair of scissors. Leo had them. Ava needed them next. "Toss them here!" she said.
Leo lifted the scissors to throw. Ms. Ruiz said, "Stop." She walked over. "Scissors are a tool. Tools never fly. Close them. Hold the blades. Hand over the handles."
Leo closed the scissors. He held the closed blades in his fist. He turned the handles toward Ava. She took the handles. Nobody's fingers were near a point.
"That is how we pass sharp things," said Ms. Ruiz. "Handle first. Point down. Every time." The whole table tried it. Slowly, the scissors went all the way around.
Talk about itWhat could have happened if Leo had tossed the scissors to Ava?
Section 1
Tools, Not Toys
4.1
A Tool Has a Job
Main ideaKnives, scissors and forks are tools with a job, and tools are never toys.
Look in a kitchen drawer. A knife. A fork. A pair of scissors. Each one is a . A tool has a job. A knife cuts. A fork lifts food. Scissors cut paper.
A tool is not a toy. You do not swing it. You do not poke with it. You do not run with it. When the job is done, the tool goes back.
The is the sharp tip. The is the sharp side. Keep your fingers away from both. Then the tool can only do its job.
Words to know
tool
a thing that helps you do a job, like a knife or scissors
point
the sharp tip of a tool
edge
the sharp side of a knife or scissor blade
Check yourself
1. What is a knife?
Why: A knife is a tool. Its job is to cut. Tools are never toys.
2. Which part of a knife is the sharp tip?
Why: The point is the sharp tip. The edge is the sharp side.
3. A kid swings scissors like a sword. What is wrong?
Why: Swinging a sharp tool can cut someone. Tools do only their job.
4.2
Closed and Pointed Down
Main ideaCarry scissors closed, in your fist, with the point down, and walk.
You need to take scissors across the room. Here is how. First, close them. Then wrap your fist around the closed . The point faces the floor.
Now walk. Never run. If you trip, the point goes at the floor. Not at you. Not at a friend.
A grown-up carries a knife the same way. Point down. Edge away from the body. Walking, not running.
Words to know
blades
the two sharp parts of scissors that do the cutting
Check yourself
1. How do you carry scissors?
Why: Closed and point down means a trip cannot hurt you or a friend.
2. Why do you walk, not run, with scissors?
Why: A fall with a sharp tool is the danger. Walking makes a fall less likely.
3. A grown-up carries a knife. Which way does the point go?
Why: Point down, edge away from the body, walking. Same rule as scissors.
Section 2
Passing and Dropping
4.3
Handle First
Main ideaHand a sharp tool to someone handle-first so their hand never touches the sharp part.
A friend asks for the scissors. Do not toss them. Close them. Hold the blades. Turn the toward your friend.
Your friend takes the handle. Say, "Got it?" Wait for "Got it." Then let go. Now nobody’s hand was near the point.
Grown-ups pass knives the same way. Or they set the knife down. Then the other person picks it up. Either way, no hand meets an edge.
Words to know
handle
the part of a tool you hold; it is not sharp
Check yourself
1. Which part of the scissors do you hand to your friend?
Why: Handle first means your friend's hand never touches the sharp part.
2. When do you let go of the scissors?
Why: Waiting for Got it means the scissors are not dropped between you.
3. A friend across the table asks for scissors. What do you do?
Why: Sharp tools never fly. Walk them over and pass the handle.
4.4
Let It Fall
Main ideaNever try to catch a falling knife; step back and let it fall.
A knife slips off the counter. Your hands want to grab it. Do not. Step back. Let it . A knife on the floor hurts nobody.
If you grab, you might catch the edge. That is how hands get cut. The floor can take the hit. Your hand cannot.
After it lands, tell a grown-up. The grown-up picks it up by the handle. Then it gets washed. Then it goes back in the drawer.
Words to know
fall
to drop down to the floor
Check yourself
1. A knife falls off the counter. What do you do?
Why: Grabbing a falling knife can catch the edge. The floor can take the hit.
2. Why not catch a falling knife?
Why: A hand that grabs for a knife often finds the edge. Let it fall.
3. Who picks the knife up off the floor?
Why: Picking up a knife is a grown-up job. They hold the handle only.
Section 3
Safe Cutting and Off-Limits
4.5
Butter Knife and Board
Main ideaKids can cut soft food with a butter knife on a cutting board, with a grown-up nearby.
A grown-up says you can help cut a banana. Here is your kit. A . A . The banana. A butter knife has no point. Its edge is dull.
Put the board on the table. Put the banana on the board. Hold the banana with one hand. Curl your fingers in like a claw. Cut with the other hand, slow.
Only soft foods. Banana, cheese, cooked carrots. Only with a grown-up close by. Never a sharp knife. That is a grown-up tool.
Words to know
butter knife
a dull knife with no point; safe for spreading and cutting soft food
cutting board
a flat board you cut food on so the table stays safe
Check yourself
1. Which knife is for kids to cut a banana?
Why: A butter knife is dull with no point. Sharp knives are grown-up tools.
2. How do you hold the banana while cutting?
Why: Curled fingers keep fingertips away from the edge.
3. Where does the banana go?
Why: A cutting board keeps food steady and the table safe.
4.6
Grown-Up Jobs
Main ideaBroken glass, matches and lighters are for grown-ups only; you tell, you do not touch.
A glass falls and breaks. Stop. Do not pick up the pieces. Do not walk on them. Say, "A glass broke!" A grown-up sweeps it up. Broken glass is a grown-up job.
You find or a on a shelf. Do not touch them. They make fire. Tell a grown-up where they are. That is your whole job.
Tools have jobs. So do people. Some jobs are for kids. Some are only for grown-ups. Knowing which is which keeps you safe.
Words to know
matches
small sticks that make fire when struck; grown-ups only
lighter
a small tool that makes a flame; grown-ups only
Check yourself
1. A glass breaks on the floor. What do you do?
Why: Broken glass cuts. Tell a grown-up and keep away from the pieces.
2. You find a lighter on a shelf. What do you do?
Why: Matches and lighters make fire. Telling a grown-up is your only job.
3. Which job is for a kid?
Why: A fork can be put away by a kid. Fire and glass are grown-up jobs.
Chapter review
Sharp Things Travel Point-Down
0 / 6
1. What are scissors?
Why: Scissors are a tool. Their job is cutting. Tools are not toys.
2. How do you carry scissors across a room?
Why: Closed, point down, walking. A trip then cannot hurt anyone.
3. How do you hand scissors to a friend?
Why: Handle first keeps every hand away from the point.
4. A knife slips off the counter. Right move?
Why: Never catch a falling knife. The floor can take the hit.
5. Which knife may a kid use on a banana?
Why: A butter knife is dull and has no point. Sharp knives are for grown-ups.
6. Who cleans up broken glass?
Why: Broken glass is a grown-up job. Kids tell and stay back.
Send it to your teacher
★
Unit wrap-up
Hot, Cold and Sharp
Twelve words, twelve meanings
0 / 8
Tap a word, then tap its meaning. A right pair locks in green.
Words
Meanings
Unit test
Fifteen questions across the unit
0 / 10
1. Why do you ask before touching a pan?
Why: You cannot see heat. Asking a grown-up is the only sure way.
2. What comes out of a pot when the lid is lifted?
Why: Steam rushes out when a lid comes off. It can burn.
3. Which is the right tool for a hot tray?
Why: A dry mitt blocks heat. Wet cloth lets heat through fast.
4. Which way do pot handles point?
Why: Handles turned in cannot be bumped and tipped.
5. You get a small burn. First step?
Why: Cool water takes heat out of the skin. Then tell a grown-up.
6. How cold is a freezer kept?
Why: Freezers are kept at 0 °F. Fridges are at or below 40 °F.
7. How do you carry scissors?
Why: Closed and point down means a trip cannot hurt anyone.
8. How do you pass a sharp tool?
Why: Handle first keeps every hand away from the point and edge.
9. A knife falls off the counter. What do you do?
Why: Never catch a falling knife. The floor can take the hit.
10. Which job is for a grown-up only?
Why: Matches and lighters make fire. They are off-limits for kids.
Send it to your teacher
Spiral review
Five questions from earlier units
0 / 5
1. (Unit 1) What do the five steps start with?
Why: Wet, lather, scrub, rinse, dry is the order.
2. (Unit 1) There is no sink on the bus. What can you use before a snack?
Why: Sanitizer is the backup when there is no sink; rub it in until dry.
3. (Unit 1) How long do you scrub?
Why: Twenty seconds, about two rounds of the birthday song, is the standard.
4. (Unit 1) Which is a time you must wash?
Why: Germs on hands go onto food, so wash before every meal and snack.
5. (Unit 1) You just petted a cat. What next?
Why: Animal fur carries germs, so wash after touching any pet.
Send it to your teacher
Write it
Draw or write a safety plan for helping in the kitchen. List five steps you follow. For each step, say what you do and why it keeps you safe.
Put the steps in order, from walking in to putting tools away.
Name the tool for each step: mitt, butter knife, cutting board.
Say the rule: hot has no color, or point down.
Say what you do if something goes wrong, like a burn or a fall.
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Practice rooms
Rooms already on the site that belong to this unit — cards, quizzes, a lab.
Every lesson keeps its own three checks; a lesson is ticked when all three are right. Chapter reviews, the unit test and its spiral review (five questions from earlier units in this band) score on the page. When the site is connected to your sheet, or the link carries ?dest=, each one also has a Send box: the first-try score, the standards, the supports used, the attempt number and the minutes go to your sheet as an IEP data point.
Print this page for a paper copy of the readings, the sources, the words and the questions; the answers print as dashed boxes under each question.
Fact-check notes for this course live in the handoff: quotes marked (paraphrased) were set that way on purpose.