Looking for a fun and educational way to entertain your kids at home? Why not have a (literally) hair-raising good time learning about static electricity? This no-mess science activity is quick, easy, and will spark your child’s curiosity. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in a little bit of learning while having fun!
And if you’re looking for even more exciting science activities, don’t miss our 100 Easy Science Experiments for Kids post—packed with creative ideas to inspire young scientists!
What You’ll Need:
- An inflated balloon
- A piece of cloth (Wool works best, but any fabric will do!)
Steps:
- Inflate the Balloon: Blow up a balloon and tie it off. This is a good way to involve your child right from the start!
- Create Some Static: Rub the surface of the balloon with the piece of cloth for at least 40 seconds. Make sure to rub all over the balloon evenly.
- Make Your Hair Stand Up: Hold the balloon a short distance above your child’s head (or yours!) and watch the magic happen. Their hair will start to lift and stick to the balloon!
What’s Happening?
When you rub the balloon with the cloth, electrons are transferred from the cloth to the balloon, making the balloon negatively charged. When you bring the balloon close to your hair, which has a positive charge, the opposite charges attract, causing your hair to rise and stick to the balloon.
This simple experiment is a great way to introduce kids to the concept of static electricity. It’s fascinating to see how invisible forces can create such a visible effect!
Bonus Tips:
- Try It with Different Materials: Experiment with different fabrics like wool, silk, or cotton. Which one makes the most static?
- Make Paper Dance: Cut tiny pieces of paper and place them on a flat surface. After rubbing the balloon, bring it close to the paper. Watch as the pieces jump up to the balloon!
- Double the Fun: Get two balloons and charge them both by rubbing with the cloth. Hold them close together and see how they repel each other. This happens because both balloons have the same negative charge.
Why It Matters:
Not only is this experiment a great way to engage your kids in science, but it also helps them understand a fundamental concept in physics. Static electricity is all around us, and this activity makes it tangible and fun!
More Fun Science Activities
Explore more exciting experiments:
- Invisible Ink Experiment: Write secret messages using lemons and plain white paper.
- Mini Volcano Experiment: Create colorful eruptions using baking soda and vinegar—kids love this quick, easy experiment.
- Shiny Pennies Experiment: Discover what cleans dirty pennies best—try different liquids like soap and vinegar.
- Elephant Toothpaste Experiment: Watch a fun, bubbly exothermic reaction with a bit of adult supervision.
- Orange Fizz Experiment: Experience the fun of acids and bases as orange fizz pops in your mouth!
- Exploding Soap Experiment: Microwave soap and see it explode into a foam—a blast for all ages!
For even more amazing science activities, visit our 100 Easy Science Experiments for Kids.
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
