Static Balloons

What you need

• balloon

What to do

On a dry day, blow up a balloon and rub it on your hair or your child’s hair. Explore in front of the mirror how this can make your child’s hair stand on end. Try using a ruler to measure your child’s hair. Rub the balloon into your hair again and explore what other objects the balloon sticks to; for example, the wall or clothing.

What they learn

Children experience first hand the effects of static electricity and how it can be generated. Through exploring what other things the balloon sticks to they are engaging in a science experiment.

Encouragement questions

• How high can you get your hair?
• What else can we stick the balloon to?