Less than $5 6th Grade Physics Laboratory (by date, latest first)

Static electricity, also called electrostatics, happens when electric charge builds up on the surface of an object. This charge can be positive or negative. It forms when atoms in a material gain or lose electrons.

When two objects rub against each other, electrons move from one to the other. One object ends up with extra electrons and a negative charge. The other loses electrons and gets a positive charge.

You often feel static electricity when you walk across a carpet and touch a metal object. That tiny shock you feel is static electricity at work!

This helpful e-book includes ten easy experiments that show how static electricity works. You can do all of them safely at home or in the classroom. They only need simple, everyday items.

Each experiment has clear, step-by-step instructions. There is also a short explanation after each one, so young students can easily understand what’s happening.

Have fun exploring the amazing world of static electricity!

One "mini" lab that will help students observe and make connections that energy cannot be created or destroyed.

These short activities reinforce or introduce concepts to students. I call these activities “mini labs” because they are simple activities that do not take the whole class period. They are also activities that are safe for use in the classroom and do not have to be done in a lab or with any specialty equipment or materials.

Materials Needed

• 1-1.5 m length of string
• Pencil with an eraser
• Meter stick
• Level
• Pendulum Bob (I have substituted a fishing weight or mass with a hook when I did not have these available in my lab)
• Nail or hook above whiteboard (A 3M hook is great for this, no tools needed to install and does not hurt the walls!
• Whiteboard/Chalkboard (I have also used large sheets of paper on the wall for multiple stations)

For Middle School this supports or extends NGSS: MS PS3-5

For High School this supports MS PS2-2

Distance learning or need a digital copy to assign?

• No problem! This activity now includes a Google Slides options! Ready to go, no prep needed from you!

Three Forms of Use Included

1. Printable PDF
2. Google Slides