Static electricity is the build up of electrical charge on surfaces due to rubbing or friction. The build-up of this charge can be demonstrated with the use of a balloon and fluorescent light bulb. Take the experimental materials into a dark room. Rub the balloon on a sweater repeatably so it builds charge. Touch the light bulb onto the charged part of the balloon. Small sparks should be visible and indicates the discharge of static electricity. Experiment with different durations of rubbing the balloon, and rubbing with different materials.
In this project a simple battery is made with different types of fruit such as lemons or oranges. All that is needed for this project is a small light bulb, a zinc nail, a copper nail and some wire. Pierce the fruit with the copper and nickel nails. They should protrude from the fruit and be approximately 2 inches apart. Wrap wire around one of the nails and attach it to one of the light bulb electrodes. Connect the other nail to the remaining light bulb electrode. The light should turn on once the second electrode is connected. Experiment with different distances between the nails and with different fruits.
In this project a miniature city is made. The project requires 9-volt batteries, cardboard, scissors and cellophane adhesive tape. Fold the pieces of cardboard into four and use the tape to stick the opposite ends together. The folded cardboard is the start of a building. Cut out windows and doors as desired and decorate the building. Connect a 9-volt battery up to a light bulb. Place the miniature building on top of the light bulb. Repeat the above to make many buildings and to make a miniature city.
The resistance of a wire opposes the flow of electrical current. In this project students learn how characteristics of a wire, such as length and thickness, affect the resistance. The apparatus that is needed includes a direct current power supply, a voltmeter, wire of different length and thickness. Connect the wire between the voltmeter and the power supply so there is a complete circuit. Turn on the power supply and set a suitable current such as 50 milliamps. In order to calculate the resistance, divide the voltage reading on the voltmeter by the current value set on the power supply. Repeat for different wire thicknesses.