Static Cling

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In this activity, learners investigate static electricity using everyday objects at four different stations. Learners explore how various materials including paper, Styrofoam peanuts, rice cereal, and pepper develop static charges. Learners can also test and record how the size of the balloon affects static cling or how the amount of time they rub the balloon on their hair affects static cling.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 6 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Balloon
  • Paper
  • Hole punch
  • Styrofoam peanuts
  • Puffed rice cereal (such as Rice Krispies)
  • Various small items such as pepper, thread, pieces of tape, cup of water, paper clips
  • Charts (PDF)

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
      • Gathering Data
      • Formulating Explanations
      • Communicating Results

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

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