What is electricity?
It is simply the flow of electrons from one place to another. During the journey, the electrons go to work making toast, powering video games, and lighting light bulbs.

What were the parts of the atom, again?
An atom has three main parts: The NEUTRONS are in the nucleus (middle) of the atom and they do not have a charge; the PROTON is also in the nucleus and it has a POSITIVE (+) charge; the ELECTRONS are spinning outside the nucleus and they have a NEGATIVE (-) charge. REMEMBER: Electrons are attracted to protons and they repel from other electrons.

What was the gizmo that made all the static sparks?
The Van De Graff Electrostatic Generator (the machine with the big metal sphere at top) created the static electricity (a build up of electrons) to do all the fun experiments presented during the program. The generator that we used is capable of creating 500,000 volts of static electricity under the right conditions. Our demonstrations showed that electrons will repel electrons, especially on lightweight objects.

Why did the balloons stick to the wall after they were rubbed on hair?
The balloons were charged with electrons from the hair.. Those electrons were seeking out protons. Since the wall had protons, the electrons in the balloon were ATTRACTED the protons in the wall and it stuck!

How can we prove electrons don't like other electrons?
We showed that when we charged the two balloons that were hanging by the string. They would not get near each other because they were both charged with electrons (from rubbing them in hair) and electrons REPEL from other electrons.

Why did the student's hair stick up like that?
We charged our volunteer with electrons. When the electrons got to his/her hair, it was like every electron charged hair trying to get away from every other electron charged hair on their head, creating a very impressive hairdo.

What experiments can we try in the classroom?
Please note that none of the equipment used in the Electricity Program can be easily constructed or reproduced in school or at home, and be sure students know to never play around electrical sockets or outlets.

It is easy, however, to watch static at work by rubbing balloons on different students heads and trying to stick balloons to the wall. Then time them to see how long they stay up. (the balloons drop when the electrons travel into the wall and surroundings and lose their attractive power) Does long hair work better? Do blonde hair balloons stay up longer or shorter than dark hair balloons? There are good opportunities for charting here as well. Why doesn't it work well if it is raining? (the electrons are lost to the moisture in the air.)

You can also recreate the balloon hanging experiment that was done during the program, to show electrons on balloons repelling from each other. In addition, you can demonstrate how magnetism and electricity are connected by building an electromagnet with students. For directions to build an electromagnet, click HERE.

If teachers have any additional questions or comments, they can e-mail Science Bob at:sciencebob@sciencebob.com