Static Electricity Balloon Lab

Not every electrical observation needs a wire. Jennifer and Daniel explore static electricity using a balloon and small pieces of paper. Children compare what happens before and after rubbing the balloon with a dry cloth. Their observations reveal how a charged object can attract nearby neutral paper without touching it.

Materials A balloon, dry cloth, small paper pieces, a tray, and a notebook. A plastic comb and cloth can replace the balloon if needed.

Experiment or Activity 

1. Place paper pieces on a tray. Hold the unrubbed balloon close to them and record what happens.

2. Rub the balloon with the dry cloth. Hold it close to the paper without touching.

3. Record which pieces move. Repeat from a little farther away.

4. Wait several minutes and test again. Compare your observations; results may vary with humidity and materials.

Safety note An adult inflates the balloon and supervises. Keep balloons and fragments away from young children; collect broken pieces immediately. Use a comb if latex is unsuitable. Keep this activity away from electrical equipment.

What children learn Rubbing can transfer electrons between materials. A charged balloon can attract neutral paper because charges within the paper shift slightly. Attraction does not mean the paper began with an opposite overall charge.

Think about it How did rubbing change what you observed?