Curated OER
Electric Charge and Static Electricity
Begin with the classic static electricity demonstrations: the behavior of charged balloons and metal leaves of an electroscope. Then move on to test the electrical conductivity of various materials. Give physics pupils a charge with...
Curated OER
Take Charge!
Learners induce an electrical charge on various objects, and experiment with electrical repulsion and attraction. They define related vocabulary, play Bingo and complete a take-home quiz.
Curated OER
More About Static Electricity
Students examine the concept that static electricity is a phenomenon that involves positive and negative charges. They explore the Static Electricity section of the Science, Technology and Engineering website to learn more about the...
Curated OER
Static Electricity and Lightning
Students study concepts related to static electricity, based on a single example: lightning. They explain how static electricity, lightning, and sparks are all related phenomena. They draw a diagram illustrating the negative and positive...
Physics Classroom
Action at a Distance Lab
The concepts involved with static electricity are typically taught in upper elementary physical science units. The lab described in this resource has pupils examine the behavior of small pieces of paper and a balloon when a charged piece...
Purdue University
Design of a Door Alarm
How does electricity work? Budding scientists explore the concepts of electrical currents and open and closed circuits with class discussion and a hands-on activity using a battery to turn on a light bulb. Learners also make predictions...
Curated OER
Electrical Energy
Students conduct an experiment to find out how well different wires radiate heat when voltage is applied across the wire. They use the results of their experiments to consider how the gauge of the wire and the type of wire affect the...
Curated OER
Paths of Electrical Currents
Fourth graders examine the paths that electrical currents travel. They create a current of electricity using flashlights, bulbs, batteries, wires and tape. They determine how to create a closed circuit that will light the bulb. They...
Curated OER
Zapped!
Fifth graders describe the behavior of static electricity as observed in nature and everyday occurrences.
Curated OER
Charge Challenge
Students observe the behavior of different charged objects. In this science lesson, students perform a series of static electricity experiments. They discuss their observations in class.
Curated OER
Opposites Attract
Middle schoolers examine the properties of magnets and static electricity. They participate in experiments that demonstrate the behaviors of charged particles, and record their data on a worksheet.
Curated OER
Invisible Investigations
Students distinguish between charged and uncharged objects. They roll magnetic marbles under a table that is sprinkled with iron filings and observe what happens. They complete the same actions with a non-magnetic marble. They record...
Curated OER
Invisible Investigations
Students simulate how charged particles move in a particle detector. In this physics instructional activity, students observe how iron filings behave when magnetic marbles are passed underneath them. They record and draw their observations.
Curated OER
Water and Ice
Students observe water as it changes form. In this water lesson students observe, measure, and describe water as it changes state.
Curated OER
Amazing Water Changes
Young scholars explore the properties of water and how it changes states. In this kindergarten to 2nd grade science lesson, students pair a hands-on science activity with two suggested books. This inquiry lesson has extension activities...
Curated OER
Magnetic Domain
Learners participate in activities in which they examine magnetic domains. They analzye how different colored metals and how they react to magnets.
Curated OER
Plotting a Magnetic Field
Students experiment with a set of materials. They plot the magnetic field that arises from a regular bar magnet. They discover how a magnet affects a compass.
Curated OER
Properties of Magnets
High schoolers determine the physical properties of magnets. They analyze the size, number of poles and strength of the magnets. They make observations of what happens to magnets when they are placed next to each other.