Have you ever had a static shock from a shopping trolley or an escalator? The shock is because of static electricity, which can cause materials to attract or repel each other.
How does static electricity work?
Static electricity is what makes your hair stand on end when you rub a balloon on it. Static electricity occurs when an atom gains or loses an electron.
What is an atom?
All materials are made of atoms.
Atoms contain tiny particles called protons, neutrons and electrons (subatomic particles ). Protons and neutrons are found in the nucleus of an atom. Electrons orbit the nucleus but occasionally break away.
Balloons and some other objects, like a fluffy jumper, can steal electrons from other surfaces. The extra electrons give the balloon a negative charge, which attracts other objects, like the tissue paper we use in this activity.
A fun way to demonstrate static electricity is by making jumping frogs.
Static Electricity Experiment - Jumping Frogs
Equipment
Balloon
Paper, cut into shapes. We used sugar paper, but tissue paper would also work brilliantly.
Woolly jumper or hair
Method
Cut up your different types of paper into frog shapes ( or anything else you want to make jump )
Blow up your balloon and rub it on your jumper or hair. Hold above the frogs and watch them jump up.
How does this static electricity experiment work?
Rubbing the balloon on your jumper or hair charges it with static electricity. This attracts the tissue paper frogs, making them jump up to the balloon. They will stick until the charge wears off.
Make it an investigation
Experiment with different types of paper for the frogs.
Design an investigation to record how long the frogs stick to the balloon and if they stick for longer if the balloon is rubbed on hair for longer.
Investigate whether smaller frogs stick for longer than bigger ones.
Try other shapes and themes, like our jumping leaves for Autumn.
Science Kiddo uses static electricity to separate salt and pepper.
Inspiration Laboratories also has a very cool ghost static electricity activity.
Last Updated on October 13, 2023 by Emma Vanstone
Trisha @ Inspiration Laboratories says
Jumping frogs are such a fun way to learn about static electricity! Love it!
Mum of One says
Love this and the frogs are a great idea! Have pinned for future science fun with the boy! Thanks so much for sharing with the pin it party!
Actually Mummy... says
Gosh I love the explanations! Fascinating for the kids
anna says
This looks so fun and educational at the same time, may have to make time to try this with my kids
Kathleen says
Totally gonna do this! It looks like so much fun. Pinned it!
Mammasaurus says
Yeah static balloons! Takes me back to childhood !
Kara says
Isaac has suddenly taken to science and is full of question after question. I am definitely going to do this with him and have joined your G+ community xx
Emily @amummytoo says
Brilliant idea! I can imagine my kids squealing with excitement over this one. Will definitely give it a go.
Anya from Older Single Mum and The Healer says
Another fab but simple idea. We have balloons in the cupboard - but am crap at drawing so the boys will have to do that bit. Can't tell you how many times I think of this blog and your book and your ideas. I WANT to get that shopping basket organized and WILL X
otilia says
oh i remember doing a similar thing with my plastic ruler and pieces of paper in school. thanks for sharing #pinitparty and featured in tomorrow post x
Kristin says
Greetings from across the pond!
Just wondering, would sugar paper be construction paper in Canada - a heavy kid-friendly paper?
maryanne @ mama smiles says
I love this static electricity activity! Pinned to my science for kids board!