Static Electricity 101

Grades 3-6

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.

BNL Science Link: Coming Soon

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

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.

National Science Education Standards
Content Standard A- Science as Inquiry
Content Standard B- Physical Science
Content Standard F- Science in Personal and Social Perspectives
New York State Learning Standards
Math, Science, Technology Standards 1, 4

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