You can demonstrate static friction through a simple experiment using a shoe and a rubber band. Cut open a rubber band, then attach one end of the rubber band to the shoe. Place the shoe onto the ground. Grasp the other end of the rubber band in your hand, then pull it gently. Continue pulling on the rubber band until the shoe moves across the floor. Before the shoe moves, it will begin to produce static friction underneath it.
Electric friction can become visible when you create an experiment that uses a fluorescent light tube and a piece of wool, such as a sweater. Take the light tube and the wool into a dark room with a mirror, such as an enclosed bathroom. Stand in front of the mirror and rub the wool back and forth over the fluorescent light tube. The tube with fill with electric friction and light up.
Students can learn what objects cause the most friction by testing them out on a playground slide. Select items that have different textures, such as a wooden block, a shoe with a rubber sole, a plastic ball and a cloth doll. Take turns allowing the objects to slide down the slide. Notice how some of the objects move down the slide faster than others. The slower objects are creating more friction than the faster objects.