Static Electricity
Project Overview: Learn about how static electricity works and the fundamentals of why it happens. This is generally targeted toward younger elementary audiences, but older students can definitely partake in this easy demonstration!
Materials:
Balloon
Soft object
Paper (part 1)
Faucet (part 2)
Time: 2 minutes
Instructions for Part 1:
Blow up the balloon. Make sure that the balloon is not over-inflated.
Rub the balloon against a soft surface. It is highly recommended to use wool or your hair.
Observe how the soft surface is attracted to the balloon.
Place the balloon a couple centimeters or an inch away from the paper. The paper should be attracted to the balloon.
Slowly distance the balloon from the paper until the paper falls back down.
Play around and repeat these processes!
Instructions for Part 2:
Blow up the balloon. Make sure that the balloon is not over-inflated.
Rub the balloon against a soft surface. It is highly recommended to use wool or your hair.
Observe how the soft surface is attracted to the balloon.
Turn on the faucet. It should produce a steady thin stream of water.
Place the balloon a couple centimeters or an inch away from the water stream. The pathway of the water should bend toward the direction of the balloon.
Slowly distance the balloon from the water until the water streams normally.
Play around and repeat these processes!
