Take Charge!

Students discover and identify positive and negative electrical charges and understand that like repels and opposite charges attract.  In this physics lesson, students observe how friction can be used to give electrical charge to...

Working with static electricity is sure to give the class a charge! Budding scientists experiment with balloons and different materials to discover how to create static electricity. They learn about the transfer of electrons and the...

In this atom worksheet, chemists learn how to determine the number of protons, neutrons and electrons in an atom using the atomic mass and atomic number. They complete a chart of the subatomic particles and use marbles to represent...

In this video segment adapted from ZOOM, cast members show you how to make your very own electroscope. You can use it to find out if an object is electrically charged. [4:17]

Slide paper over a plastic straws to generate static electricity, and then stick that straw to glass, a wall, or even your own hands! This is a science activity that students can use to show parents what they learn in school whenever...

What a wonderful way to explore motion and forces! Learners design a catapult, after watching a video and discussing types of catapults. This is a comprehensive and complete instructional activity with links to supplementary resources.

Energize a shared reading of the Magic School Bus and the Electric Field Trip with this collection of supplemental materials. Whether your looking for discussion questions, reading comprehension worksheets, or writing prompts,...

Like all electricity, static electricity flows at the speed of light, or 186,282 miles/second. The interactive simulation shows how like charges repel like charges and opposites attract. The user can choose either one or two balloons, a...

Have your young scientists create electroscopes and conduct an experiment using various types of materials (some conductors, some insulators). What happens to the electroscope when each object is passed through its plastic pieces?

Fifth graders explore electrical concepts and host a guest speaker. This lesson sets up guidelines for students to follow when they have a guest speaker. Students are primed to become actively involved in a lecture or discussion, while...