Explore electrostatic forces with your students using this science demonstration video perfect for your Year 5 science unit!
What Are Electrostatic Forces?
Around a thousand years ago, the ancient Greeks discovered a material that, when friction was applied, would perform seemingly magical feats of attraction at a distance. The material was amber and the Greeks called it ‘electron.’
Experiments with electrostatics began around 600 BCE. However, scientists only discovered the tiny particles that cause electrostatic charge in the 1800s.
Charges in materials happen due to the movement of these negatively charged particles, which are aptly called ‘electrons.’
Watch Electrostatic Force in Action!
In this 5-minute science video written and produced by our teacher team, Krazy Kristian and Professor Paul use the example of flying spiders to demonstrate the effect that electrostatic forces can have on various objects. Also known as ballooning spiders, these amazing creatures are able to detect and use certain changes in the electromagnetic fields around Earth. When a significant difference in the charges of the earth and atmosphere occurs, the spiders release a small amount of web and fly away using the electromagnetic fields as their very own atmospheric highway!
Using a plastic cut-out spider and a circular balloon that have both been given a negative charge, your students will watch Krazy Kristian and Professor Paul bring this amazing trick of nature to life!
Throughout the video, students are also encouraged to reflect upon questions such as:
- What happens to your hair after sliding down a plastic slide?
- What would happen if you brought two negatively charged materials near each other?
- What are other kinds of non-contact forces?
- How could electrostatic force be useful?
- What are some other examples of electrostatic you can see every day?
More Force Resources to Use in Your Classroom
This resource is available to watch again and again with your Teach Starter subscription, so you can share it with multiple science classes.
If you’re looking for more resources to support your teaching of forces, look no further than the great suggestions below!
[resource:4688477] [resource:4531467] [resource:3493658]
0 Comments
Write a review to help other teachers and parents like yourself. If you'd like to request a change to this resource, or report an error, select the corresponding tab above.