2026–27 · Main lesson · Winter 2027
Test Static Attraction with Everyday Materials
Adult extension of: Static Electricity
January 4–8, 2027 · planned
Compare a plastic comb before and after rubbing it with a suitable cloth to investigate attraction without contact. Use repeated observations to explain static cling while recognizing that humidity and material differences can make the effect weak. Compare this with a separate facilitator-led fruit/potato cell and a multimeter reading.
Curriculum skill focus: Cause-and-effect, prediction, observation, basic physical science
01 · Learning
Objectives
- Compare a rubbed and unrubbed condition using the same test distance.
- Describe movement without assuming contact was required.
- Identify limits and variables that affect a static-electricity demonstration.
02 · Preparation
Materials
Clean plastic comb or plastic ruler; wool or other suitable cloth with a non-wool alternative; large lightweight paper strips anchored at one end; tray; distance guide; timer; record sheet; no balloons. Optional facilitator-controlled fruit or potato cell with copper and zinc electrodes, secured leads and digital multimeter; no flashing output.
03 · Practice
Adult project
- 1
Show the comb and anchored paper strips, then connect the question to clingy clothing or packaging. Choose handling, distance measurement, or observation; do not rub a person’s hair, clothing, or body.
- 2
Bring the unrubbed comb near the free ends of the paper without touching them. Use a marked distance and record whether movement occurs, including no visible movement as a valid result.
- 3
Rub the comb with the selected dry cloth for a fixed short period. Return it to the same distance promptly and watch for a change in the paper strips, keeping hands and room airflow as still as practical.
- 4
Repeat the comparison after allowing charge to dissipate, using a fresh baseline rather than assuming the comb is uncharged. Record whether the effect repeats and note damp conditions or accidental contact.
- 5
Explain that rubbing can transfer electrons between materials and that a charged object can attract neutral paper through charge redistribution. Avoid calling the effect magnetism or claiming the paper must start with an opposite overall charge.
- 6
Compare the static demonstration with a separate low-voltage fruit or potato cell built by the facilitator. Observe a digital multimeter reading and identify the different metals and complete circuit. The cell supports current through an electrochemical reaction; it is not static cling or electricity stored in the fruit.
- 7
Connect the finding to static cling and careful handling around electronics. Store the materials, review any uncertain result, and choose one additional variable to investigate later rather than changing several at once.
Evidence & interpretation
What the investigation shows
Static electricity involves an imbalance of electric charge. Rubbing some material pairs can transfer charge, and nearby neutral objects may be attracted through polarization; moisture often makes charge dissipate more quickly.
Practical connection
Why this work matters
Static attraction helps explain why lightweight packaging or clothing sometimes clings during everyday tasks.
Participation by choice
Individual access options
- Use a plastic handle or let a partner rub the comb while you choose the test distance.
- Watch enlarged video or high-contrast anchored paper strips rather than manipulating loose small pieces.
- Select a non-wool cloth, observe without touch, or stop repeated attempts if texture, sound, or unpredictability is uncomfortable.
Review & transfer
Reflect on the work
- What difference did you observe between the baseline and rubbed condition?
- What might explain a trial in which nothing visibly moved?