Jumping Beans

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In this physics activity (page 3 of the PDF), learners will explore the concept of static electricity. They will discover how electrical charges created by friction can affect small objects as they witness beans jumping as if by their own power. Although this activity was designed to be used after a visit to a museum exhibit about electricity, it also makes an excellent stand-alone activity.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
1 cent - $1 per student
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • Three soybeans
  • One 11 inch clear balloon

Keywords

Subjects

  • Physical Sciences
    • Electricity and Magnetism
      • Electric Charges and Currents

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, COSI Columbus, 2009