Static Electricity

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In this quick activity, learners explore static electricity using a plastic comb, wool cloth, puffed rice, and a plastic bag. Use this activity to introduce learners to how static electricity is created when an object gives up or gains electrons.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
Under 5 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
1 cent - $1 per student
Age Range:
Ages 4 - 14
Resource Type:
Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • Plastic comb
  • Wool cloth
  • Puffed rice
  • Large plastic bag with tie

Keywords

Subjects

  • Physical Sciences
    • Electricity and Magnetism
      • Electric Charges and Currents
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Elementary Particles and Nuclear Physics
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations

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:

  • Little, Carlyn ; LaHart, David ; Meyers, Ted ; Weisblat, Brooks

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Museum of Science, Inc. (Miami, FL), 1997

Funding Source:

  • Unisys