Static electricity

Globule wonders...

What is static electricity

Experiment: Static electricity

Hypotheses: Ask children if they know what static electricity or "static" is. Ask them to name situations in which they observed static. For example, they may say clothes coming out of the dryer, lightning during a thunderstorm, tiny shocks we feel when we touch a friend, etc.

Material:

• A plastic comb
• Confetti or tiny pieces of paper
• One piece of felt per child (approx. 10cm x 10cm)
• One balloon per child

Manipulations:

1. Place confetti on a non-metallic surface. A wooden or plastic table is best.
   
   
2. Comb your hair (which must be dry) for approximately 2 minutes.
   
   
3. Place the comb near the confetti.
   
   
4. Watch what happens.
   
   
5. Have your daycare worker help you blow up your balloon and tie a knot.
   
   
6. Rub your balloon vigorously with your piece of felt.
   
   
7. Place the part of the balloon you rubbed with felt against the wall and let go. It sticks like magic!
   
   
8. You can try rubbing the balloon in your hair too.

Explanations: When you rub a plastic object, you charge it with electricity. This charge creates an attraction between an object (the comb or the balloon) and another object which is not charged (confetti or wall). The attraction lasts for a certain period of time after which the object gradually loses its charge and falls to the ground. Electrical discharge occurs when objects lose their charge too rapidly. This produces a tiny spark or shock. When the charge is greater, the discharge may cause a luminous flash of light. This is what happens during a thunderstorm.

Angélique Boissonneault

has a Bachelor's Degree in Biological Science. She has worked in a laboratory and tested her knowledge. She has taught Math, Chemistry, and Physics. She has also developed a simplistic and innovative approach designed to introduce young children to scientific experiments, old and new. She created her friend Globule. This character is sometimes red, and sometimes white. He guides little ones through their scientific experiments and discoveries. It is clear to see Angélique is passionate about children and science. Globule's Approach.