Here’s a fun (and simple) way to demonstrate the properties of static electricity in the classroom!
The Dad Lab has posted a video (with instructions) that uses a balloon, wool, and a light bulb to demonstrate properties of static electricity! We love this particular static electricity experiment because it is easy and safe to conduct in a classroom, and students will love the effect. The video is included below, and here are a list of materials needed, as well as instructions.
Materials
- Balloon
- Woolen hat or clothing
- Fluorescent light bulb
- Dark room (to maximize the effect)
Instructions
- Blow up the balloon
- Let the students rub it vigorously against the wool or a few minutes to build up a static charge.
- Bring the balloon close to the fluorescent light bulb, and watch it light up for a second.
- Do the experiment in a darkened room for best effect!
While a static charge is mostly harmless, there is enough electricity conducted while rubbing a balloon on wool that it can transfer into a bulb and briefly ignite the gas mixture inside.
Here’s video of the static electricity experiment. You can click right here to subscribe to The Dad Lab You Tube channel with lots of great STEM/STEAM videos!
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