Homeschool Science Experiments – Static Electricity

Science Experiments are fun for everyone. Homeschool science especially when working with static electricity really grabs the attention of kids! There are quite some experiments to try out and learn. To begin with, we must understand some more science.

Homeschool Science Experiments

All things are made up of atoms. Atoms are made up of three parts that each have a charge. There are protons a positive particle, electrons which are negative, and neutrons which are neutral and have no charge.

Homeschool Science Experiments

Therefore every object has a charge. Opposites attract such as positive charges and negative charges, and like charges repel, like negative against negative. Mostly, things have a neutral charge because they are balanced, and it means there is no charge at all. Objects receive a charge when they experience an unequal number of protons and neutrons giving it either a positive or negative charge. Now the fun begins!

You need:

– Balloons
– Tape
– Scissors
– Two balloons
– Door frame
– String
– A wool sweatshirt

Homeschool Science Experiments

Step 1: Begin by measuring out two pieces of line of the same size and then taping them around the doorway about an inch apart.

Step 2: Inflate two balloons and tie them shut not to allow the air to leave, and then hang them on the strings so that they each are in the same position right by each other.

Step 3: Rub a wool sweater on each balloon one at a time to charge them up.
What is happening is we are giving the balloons an excess of electrons which causes them both to have a negative charge. Make sure you get as far away as possible from each other. Try forcing them together, or try putting something in between them and then bringing them together to see what happens.

Homeschool Science Experiments List

Magic Can and Cool Hair:
Materials
– Two inflated balloons
– Wool sweater
– Can
– Your hair
– Mirror

Step 1: First rub each of the balloons with the wool sweater and see if they will stay by each other. Because they both now carry a negative charge they will repel each other!

Step 2: Take one of the balloons and stand in front of a mirror. Rub the balloon back and forth over your hair and slowly pull it away. What do you see? Your hair has a negative charge, and each of your strands is trying to be as far apart from the others as possible, thus giving you that awesome hair on end look. Who thought a homeschool science experiment could be so much fun?

Step 3: Put the empty can on its side on a flat surface. Rub the balloon against your head again and put it near the can. The can will come towards the balloon. If you drag the balloon across the table, the can will follow. Because the can and the balloon have opposite charges and therefore attract.