Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Step1
Preface your lesson with an explanation about electrons and protons, electrical charges and how opposites attract. Rub an inflated balloon against the shaggiest hair in the class--perhaps your own--and place it against the wall or drapery. The balloon should stick: its surface steals electrons from the hair, attracting it to the wall's protons.
Step2
Have yourself or a student stand on top of a non-conductive platform before the generator has been turned on--a milk crate could be ideal. Place a hand on the crown of the generator. The generator shouldn't be switched on until everyone is in position.
Step3
Turn on the generator. The student's hair will stand on end and in every direction. Explain that this is a case of the generator transmitting excess electrons into the student. Opposites attract, and likes repel, so these electrons, all negatively charged, attempt to get as far away from each other as they can.
Step4
Place styrofoam peanuts into the the student's hand, and turn on the generator. In addition to their hair spiking in all directions, the peanuts will actually fly out of their hands. Like the electron-charged hair, they are attempting to flee each other's presence as quickly as possible.
Step5
Leave with a bang. Ask your students if they want to shadowbox with the generator--cocky male students might be more willing to perform this task. Thrusting your fist close to the generator will elicit a discharge--this will hurt, slightly. And yet, you may be surprised how enthusiastic your students become about this exercise.