Science Buddies
Science Buddies: How Do Different Materials React to Static Electricity?
Polyester clothing was generally accepted as a popular trend in fashion at one point in history. Now everybody wears cotton, which doesn't get static cling nearly as much. Why are some materials more susceptible to static cling than...
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Rubbing Up Against Static Electricity
A tried and true balloon activity is to rub a balloon on your head to make your hair stand up. Learn how the rubbing builds up static electricity using this experiment to see if the number of rubs makes a difference.
Exploratorium
Exploratorium: Science Snacks: Electrical Fleas
Create your own "flea" circus in this activity by using the effects of static electricity. Students will observe a charged object attraction to the opposite charge causing the object to jump.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Static Cling
This hands-on activity explores the concept of static electricity. Students attract an O-shaped piece of cereal to a charged comb and watch the cereal jump away when it touches the comb. Students also observe Styrofoam pellets pulling...
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: Static Electricity Review
This review from the Glenbrook South High School provides a series of questions on various topics associated with static electricity (such as electrical insulation). Answers and explanations are hidden, yet easily accessed from within a...
Other
Science Hobbyist: Capacitors Do Not Store Charge
A page which clarifies many static electricity misconceptions, including how a capacitor charges.
Exploratorium
Exploratorium: Super Sparker
This is an activity using common household materials that will demonstrate a static electricity discharge.
Exploratorium
Exploratorium: Science Snacks: Charge and Carry
This site from The Exploratorium Museum is a full description of a short activity. An electrophorus plate and a Leyden jar are made. The electrophorus is charged by induction. Its charge is transferred to the Leyden jar by conduction...
Other
Science Hobbyist: Sticky Electrostatics
A series of activities focusing on charge interactions, charging methods, and the conservation of charge. Activities utilize scotch tape and other readily available items. Includes explanations of what is happening.