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    Home » Learning Activities

    Static Electricity Experiment

    Modified: Aug 29, 2022 · Published: Feb 15, 2017 by Vicky · This post may contain affiliate links · 1 Comment

    379 shares
    • 2

    I love seeing how my kids are fascinated by science. We have always done fun science experiments like Making Color Disappear, but since my kids have started going to the science lab at school their interest has really taken off. One of my daughters will come home excited for us to try an experiment that she learned about at school. She has been wanting to do this Static Electricity Experiment for a while but it has been raining every day here for a few weeks and I would not be able to get any good photos. The first thing she said when the sun came out was "now we can do our static electricity experiment!"

    This static electricity experiment is a fun way to teach kids about basic science concepts using items you already have at home. My kids were amazed!

    Why kids love this Static Experiment

    • They love balloons
    • They will be learning in a hands on way
    • It seems like magic when the salt sticks to the balloon.

    Supplies needed

    • Balloon
    • Salt
    • Hair

    Static electricity can build up when you rub a balloon on your hair. you may have tried the science experiment where you run a balloon on your head for a few seconds and then it will "stick" to your shirt. Well this static electricity uses a balloon and hair as well.

    How to do this balloon static electricity experiment

    Start with a blown up balloon.

    child blowing up balloon

    Rub the balloon on your head (or a friend's) to build up static electricity.

    static electricity experiment

    Shake some salt into the palm of your hand and hold the balloon about ¾ inch above the salt.

    salt in a child's hand

    Watch what happens! The salt will start dancing and rising to stick to the balloon. My kids thought it made a cool sound as the salt hit the balloon.

    salt and a balloon

    How does this static electricity experiment work?

    So what happened here? When the balloon was rubbed on your heard it created static electricity and negatively charged the balloon. Then the negatively charged balloon pulled up the salt from your hand and held on to it even after you hand was moved away. The neutral salt is attracted to the negatively charged balloon. 

    salt on a balloon

    Frequently asked questions

    What age kids is this easy experiment recommended for?

    You know your child best. Obviously, you don't want to do this with a child for whom a balloon is a choking hazard. Generally, I think age 5 or above.

    Do your kids love science?

    Easy experiments are so much fun for kids and they are not intimidating for parents. If you are looking for some more easy experiments, the Spangler Science Club delivers amazing hands-on science to your door every month. Join Today! These make great gifts for budding scientists. Each month, your child will receive the most amazing science experiments delivered to your door.

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Sapana V says

      February 16, 2017 at 2:33 am

      Your article reminds me of my childhood days, when I use to repeat the science experiments at home. That was the amazing time of life.

      Reply
    Vicky from Mess for Less

    I'm Vicky, the founder of Mess For Less, which I started in 2011 to share easy, family-friendly recipes. With over a decade of experience as a home chef and recipe developer, I love creating meals that bring people together. I also design play and learning activities for kids, using my background as a former teacher with a Master’s degree in education. Learn more about me.

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