Remote Control Roller: Experiment with Static Electricity

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This activity is an investigation of static electricity. What happens when you get "static cling?" Basically, you pile up electrons on one thing, which attracts the protons in something else. In this activity, learners will rub a balloon on their head, then watch as the balloon pushes a soda can across the floor - without ever touching the can! They can also make a trickle of water bend and their hair stand on end. Static electricity really is fun!

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
1 cent - $1 per student
Age Range:
Ages 4 - 11
Resource Type:
Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • empty soda can
  • blown-up balloon
  • your hair

Keywords

Subjects

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

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • be mobile
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Murphy, Pat ; Klages, Ellen ; Shore, Linda

Rights:

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