Explore Static Electricity with Balloons

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image of ballons

Grade Level: Second Grade

Book: Physical Science Unit: Energy Module: Electrical Energy

Objective:


Introduce students to the effects of static electricity and show that electricity is found in more places than lights and plugs.

Research Question:


Can static electricity make a balloon “stick” to other objects?

Materials:


  • One or more balloons
  • Wool sweater or rug
  • Wall

Experimental Procedure:


  • Blow up the balloons.
  • Feel the balloons and the wall. Are they sticky? Does the balloon stick to the wall?
  • Rub a balloon several times across the wool sweater or rug.
  • Place it against the wall. Does it stick to the wall?
  • Rub the balloon across the sweater or rug again.
  • Bring it close to a friend’s hair. Does their hair stand up and stick to the balloon?
  • What else will a rubbed balloon stick to?

Related Lesson:


Explore – Electrical Energy

 

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