Summary Use a balloon to make static electricity. Optional: discuss as a force that acts at a distance. Science content Physics: Electricity, Electromagnetism (7) Lessons activity is in Forces at-a-distance Static electricity Balloon science Materials balloon head of hair empty tin can steady, thin stream of water from a tap Procedure Inflate the balloon and tie it off. 1. Rub it in your hair to make a charge difference between the balloon and your hair. (Electrons are transferred from your hair to the balloon.) Hold the balloon (negatively charged) just above your head so your hair (positively charged) will be attracted to it and stand up on end. 2. Lay a tin can on the floor on its side. Rub the balloon in your hair to charge it, then hold it close to the tin can. The can will start to roll towards the balloon without touching it. The negatively charged balloon repels the electrons of the can so that a positive charge is near the balloon. The positive charge is attracted by the negative charge of the balloon.http://www.sciencebob.com/experiments/staticroll.phphttp://www.exploratorium.edu/science_explorer/roller.html 3. Bring the charged balloon near to a thin stream of water from a tap. The water will bend towards the balloon, as the charged molecules in the water are attracted to the negatively charged balloon. 4. Experiment with what else the charged balloon will stick to: sweater and clothing, styrofoam, the wall... Set up as a free play activity where students investigate in their own way. They should take notes on what they find, to refer to when the group comes together to discuss what they found. Grades taught Gr K Gr 1 Gr 2 Gr 3 Gr 4 Gr 5
