Static Electricity Science Experiments
Rub a balloon on your hair and watch it attract paper bits, bend water, and stick to walls. Explore the invisible force of static electricity through hands-on tests.
What You'll Need
- 1Balloons (2-3)
- 2Tissue paper or tiny paper bits
- 3Running faucet
- 4Salt and pepper
- 5Different fabric types (wool, polyester, cotton)
- 6Aluminum foil
What You'll Need
Balloons (2-3 in case one pops)
Tissue paper or tiny paper bits
A running faucet
Salt and pepper
Different fabrics to test (wool, polyester, cotton)
Aluminum foil bits
How to Play
Inflate a balloon. Tear tissue paper into tiny bits on a table.
Rub the balloon vigorously on your child's hair (15-20 seconds).
Hold it over the paper: "Watch!" Bits jump up and cling to the balloon.
Rub again. Hold near a thin stream of water: "The water bends!"
Rub and stick the balloon to a wall: "It's sticking! Why?"
Test more materials: salt, pepper, foil bits. "Which ones jump?"
Try different fabrics for charging: "Which one charges the balloon best?"
The Science Behind It
When you rub a balloon on hair, electrons transfer from the hair to the balloon, giving it a negative charge. Oppositely charged objects attract, which is why paper bits jump to the balloon, water bends toward it, and it sticks to a neutral wall through induced charge. Your child is exploring the same fundamental force that powers lightning.
Tips
Dry days work best. High humidity kills static electricity experiments.
Wool and hair create the strongest charge. Cotton doesn't work well.
Separate salt from pepper using static: mix them together, then use a charged balloon to lift just the pepper (lighter particles jump first). It's like magic.
Ask: "What if we rub two balloons and hold them near each other?" (Same charge — they repel!) This introduces the concept of like charges repelling.
Tie a charged balloon to a string and use another charged balloon to chase it around. Static in action.
Age Adaptation Tips
School-age kids can take more ownership. Let them lead the activity, experiment with variations, and explain what they learned.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 20 min, with 5 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: balloons (2-3), tissue paper or tiny paper bits, running faucet, salt and pepper, different fabric types (wool, polyester, cotton), and 1 more item.
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 5-8 years. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Can this be done indoors?
This activity is designed for indoor play, making it perfect for rainy days or when you're staying inside.
How difficult is this activity?
This is an easy activity that requires minimal setup and supervision. Great for busy days or when you need something quick.
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