STATIC STATION 1: DO YOU LIKE ME?

Name: ____________________ Date:____________________

At this station you’ll play with electrons. You’ll make negative and positive charges just like a thunderstorm makes. You won’t make bolts of lightning but you will make some interesting observations. Answer the questions in your science journal.

Materials: Balloons, markers, string, scissors, tape, wool cloth, ruler with centimeters, 8 x 10 cardboard

Directions: Inflate a balloon, tie it and draw a face on it with a permanent marker. Using tape and string hang it at about the level of your head from the spot your teacher assigns. Rub the face of the balloon with a wool cloth. Stand close to the balloon but don’t touch it. Does it like you?

Observation: Describe in complete sentences what you observe. Questions:
1. What kind of charge does the wool have?

2. What kind of charge does the balloon have?

3. How far away the will the attractive force still work ? Is the balloon still attracted toward you if you put a piece of cardboard between the balloon and your face?

5. Why or why not?

6. Can you make the balloon follow you round and round in a circle?

7. How do you think your balloon friend will react to another “balloon friend? Try it Does this demonstrate “attraction” or “repulsion”?

Conclusions: Explain what you think is happening in this demonstration.

Idaho Public Television
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