Electrical Fleas
Source Institutions
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The Exploratorium
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In this activity about electricity, learners explore how static electricity can make electric "fleas" jump up and down. Learners use a piece of wool cloth or fur to charge a sheet of acrylic plastic. Then, they observe as tiny bits of Styrofoam, spices, ceiling glitter, or rice (aka "fleas") jump up to the plastic and then back down.
- Under 5 minutes
- 10 to 30 minutes
- $1 - $5 per group of students
- Ages 6 - 11
- Activity
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- A sheet of acrylic plastic or other clear plastic (about 1 foot [30 cm] square and 1/s inch [3 mm] thick)
- A piece of wool cloth or fur
- 4 supports about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) high (tuna cans work nicely)
- A large piece of white paper, 11 x 17 inches (28 x 43 cm)
- Tiny bits of "stuff." Aluminized ceiling glitter works well, as do grains of rice, puffed rice cereal, spices (dill weed, basil, ground cloves, or nutmeg), or bits of Styrofoam
Subjects
- Physical Sciences
- Electricity and Magnetism
- Electric Charges and Currents
- Motion and Forces
- Electricity and Magnetism
- The Nature of Science
- The Scientific Process
- Conducting Investigations
- The Scientific Process
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
Rights:
- All Rights Reserved, The Exploratorium,
Funding Sources:
- National Science Foundation
- California Department of Education
- NEC Foundation of America
