This activity promotes development and learning by encouraging children to observe, explore, and ask questions about static electricity. These types of simple activities build children’s science vocabulary and critical thinking.
Materials Needed:
- Balloons (not for use with children under age 4)
Participants: This activity is intended for adult/child interaction.
Directions:
- Blow up several balloons and tie the ends to secure them.
- Ask your child to rub the balloon across their hair and notice how the hair stands up. Now place the balloon against a wall to see it stick. Try rubbing the balloon against other surfaces, such as the carpet. Do some surfaces create more static electricity than others? Learn more about static electricity here.
- When you’re done exploring static electricity, play a game of toss with the balloon.