How to Conduct a Static Electricity Experiment with Kids

Static Electricity Fun

This is a simple, fun experiment that demonstrates static electricity to kids. They'll learn that static electricty acts in some ways like a magnet. Perfect for toddlers and pre-schoolers.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Balloon
• Wool sweater or socks
• Tissue paper

1. Blow up a regular balloon, not a Mylar. Be cautious having children blow up balloons as they can be a choking hazard, have an adult complete this task.

2. Tear the tissue paper into small pieces and spread out on a table or other flat service. Left over tissue paper from Christmas or Birthday gifts is perfect for this. It works best if this is a smooth surface rather than carpet or on a tablecloth.

3. Rub the balloon with the wool sweater or sock. This will charge it with static electricity. Then hold the balloon over the torn tissue pieces and watch them follow the balloon - just like a magnet. Very cool!

   Hold the charged balloon near the child's hair and watch what happens. Works great on kids with straight hair.

Tips & Warnings

• Never let children play with uninflated balloons, they are a choking hazard.

• These experiments can provide a very gentle static electricity "shock".

Resources

• The Quirkles