Explanation writing- we are learning to follow a planning process to help us write clear explanations.

This is Chloe's (not-yet completed) explanation of how butane lighters work:

Planning:

Uses: light cigarettes, start fires, Lighting candles, Lighting BBQ and lighting fireworks.

How it works:

What is a lighter: The lighter was invented before the match. Chemist Johann Wolfgang Dobereiner invented the lighter in 1816.

What is a lighter? A lighter is a container that stores a gas called butane and starts a controllable flame when ignited by a spark.

What is a lighter’s uses? A lighter is used to light cigarettes, start fires and many more things such as Lighting candles, Lighting BBQ and lighting fireworks. It is used in gas stoves which do not automatically start. The lighter was invented before the match. Chemist Johann Wolfgang Dobereiner invented the lighter in 1816.

How does a lighter work? Inside almost all disposable lighters is butane, used to make it a liquid at high pressure but a gas when let go into the air.This means it can be stored as a liquid inside the lighter, made of plastic to give a high pressure vessel. Lowering the pressure by pressing a button and opening a hole lets a small amount of butane to go. A small spark will start the small flow of gas and start a flame. To create the spark, a piezoelectric crystal starts an electric charge when compressed or struck by a small hammer in the lighter.