Static Electricity Activities for the Elementary Science Classroom
Students need to understand how static electricity works and how it is transmitted between common objects like your hand and the metal doorknob. Some entertaining and enjoyable activities can assist elementary school students and teachers in exploring this force in the classroom. A few simple and inexpensive items plus a little preparation time can replicate these activities for your class.
Other People Are Reading
-
Stuck On You
-
Have each student inflate a balloon and tie it off. Rub the balloon with a wool scarf to create a negative static charge on the balloon. If you suspend the balloon with a string and tape from a doorway or other overhead object, you can watch the balloon move toward you as you come closer. Students with long hair may notice their hair rises to meet the balloon and remains reactive even after you move away from the balloon's attraction.
If you have a student wearing a synthetic shirt or blouse, you can show how the balloon will stick to the back of the shirt and stay attached after you remove your hands. You can also show how two similarly charged balloons will respond if you bring them together.
Static Tubes
-
Provide students with clear plastic tubes with end caps, small Styrofoam pellets and a wool scarf. Place the Styrofoam in a box so they are mostly contained in the classroom. Allow the students to fill the tube about a third of the way full of pieces before capping the tube. Rub the tubes with the scarf and watch the Styrofoam pieces pop around inside the tube due to the negative charge induced by the scarf. If you put your finger on the tube, the Styrofoam will be repelled by the positive charge on your finger.
-
See the Spark
-
See the spark works best when the weather outside is cold and dry. Have students take off their shoes and scuff their sock-clad feet across a piece of carpet to create a static charge. Turn off the overhead lights so the room is mostly dark, but leave a small light on in a corner so students can see enough to avoid walking into furniture and other students. Have each student approach a metal doorknob or other steel object and extend a finger. Students should be able to see the spark leap across the distance. Students may also see the spark if they extend a hand toward another charged student.
Explain how a similar generated spark could cause an explosion at a gasoline pump. Discuss why people should not get into a vehicle while pumping gas in cold weather.
Bending Water
-
Turn on the water faucet so you have a thin stream of water flowing. Charge a brush or comb by pulling it through long, dry hair. Hold the brush alongside the water stream and watch the water curve in response to the negative charges.
-
References
- Photo Credit vandergraff image by askthegeek from Fotolia.com
