Working with static electricity is sure to give the class a charge! Budding scientists experiment with balloons and different materials to discover how to create static electricity. They learn about the transfer of electrons and the tendency of different materials to lose or gain electrons. The lesson is the sixth in a 14-part unit on magnetism and electricity.

Concepts

static electricity, electricity, electrons, repulsion, magnetic attraction

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Have pupils choose their own materials to test for electron transfer with the balloon and rank them according to the resulting strength of the static electricity

Classroom Considerations

• Activity requires advance preparation 
• Expects a solid understanding of the attraction and repulsive forces of magnets

Pros

• Provides a series of activities to build the concept slowly
• Makes use of readily available materials

Cons

• None