Static Electricity 101

An introduction to the structure of the atom and how static electricity occurs. Enhoy a hair-raising experience!

Contact Information

For more information about this program, contact:

Menzel Smith-Jones
Brookhaven National Laboratory
Bldg.400C – P.O. Box 5000
Upton, NY 11973-5000
631-344-4495 (phone)
631-344-7098 (fax)
slc@bnl.gov

Students get an introduction to the structure of the atom and its role in producing static electricity. Students also have the opportunity to participate in demonstrations involving our Van de Graff generator and learn about the uses of the Tandem Van de Graff at BNL.

Vocabulary

atom, electron, proton, neutron, static, current, Van de Graff generator, discharge, repel

Audience for This Program

Grades 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th

Program Benefits

Lesson Objectives

1) Discover the difference between the two kinds of electricity- static and current.

2) Define discharge as the transfer of electrons from one object to another.

3) Identify the parts of the atom.