2. Matter Matter: anything that has mass and takes up space.
All matter is made of atoms. p+ n0
Atom: the simplest form of matter, made of protons (p+), neutrons (n0), and electrons (e-).
When the # p+ = # e- the atom is electrically neutral.
If e- move, it can create an imbalance of charge, causing static electricity.
As the animations pop up to label the diagram, I briefly explain an overview of the structure of the atom with the protons and neutrons in the center (nucleus) surrounded by electrons (in the electron cloud.) I tell them we will have a whole unit on atomic structure in the future, this is just a basic overview so that they can understand electricity better.
PAUSE AND PLAY this 3 minute video clip about static electricity before the next slide: e-

3. Static Electricity
Static electricity: a charge imbalance that results in the build up of excess electric charge on an object.
When objects with loosely held e- build up on the surface.
Shock results when the charge is neutralized.
Examples?
Make sure to play the video clip in the last slide’s notes before this slide!
I like to have students list examples when they’ve experience this, such as putting on a sweater out of the dryer, going down a slide at a playground, etc.

4. Charge “Rules” Opposites charges attract Like charges repel
Law of Conservation of Charge: charge cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred; net electric charge is always constant.

5. Electric Field
Electric Field: area surrounding charged particles/objects within which a force can be exerted on other charged particles/objects.
Refer back to the lab station the students should have done previously where they charged an object and used the charged object to pick up the tiny pieces of paper without touching them.
Allows charges to act at a distance.
The field can move the charges around an object near it.
Charged particles placed in the electric field will be pushed or pulled by the force exerted by the field.

6. Detecting Charge
Electroscope: tool used to detect the presence and magnitude of an electric charge.
If you have one, you can use it now to demonstrate how it works to your students!
If not, here is a really simple way to make one for your students in front of them:

7. Some materials transfer electric charge well, and others do not.
Conductors: materials that allow e- to flow easily; readily conduct electric charge.
Ex. Metals (especially copper in wires) and skin
Insulators: materials that block the flow of e- through them.
Ex. Plastic, wood, air, rubber, and glass
The inside of wires tend to be metal to conduct the flow of electric charge, whereas the outside is rubber or plastic to insulate us from being shocked by the charge.

8. Can be transferred 3 ways.
Transfer of Charge
Can be transferred 3 ways.
Conduction: transfer of electrons through direct contact between objects.
e- from one object move to another object.
Object must be a conductor to transfer the charge.

9. Can be transferred 3 ways.
Transfer of Charge
Can be transferred 3 ways.
Friction: transfer of electrons through rubbing objects.
Ex. Socks rubbing on carpet, then touching your sibling and shocking them.
If you have different rods and animal furs you can demonstrate charging by friction at this time.
I always just rub a balloon on my pant leg to show charging by friction. Then you can have someone touch it to feel the small shock of the charge transfer by contact/conduction.
Students can also rub their bums on their plastic seats to charge by friction, then touch the metal leg of their chairs to transfer charge by contact/conduction.

10. Can be transferred 3 ways.
Transfer of Charge
Can be transferred 3 ways.
Induction: transfer of electrons through electric fields working over a distance.
Charged object is brought near a neutral object, causing polarization and inducing a charge on the neutral object.
Explain how the sphere originally was a neutral object. When the negative rod was brought near it, the like negative charges repelled, and moved away, leaving the positive charges to the front, thus causing polarization. This negative rod induces a positive charge on the surface of the sphere.
This is how you can get a balloon to stick on a wall. Demo: charge the balloon by friction by rubbing it on your leg. Then bring it near a wall in your classroom. It will induce a positive charge on the wall, and since opposites attract, the balloon will “stick” to the wall for a period of time before the wall is no longer polarized.

11. Static Discharge
Static Discharge: the sudden flow of electric charge between two charged objects, due to a build up of static electricity.
Ex. Lightning

12. Static Discharge
Movement of clouds and air currents causes a buildup of static electricity in clouds.
When e- buildup becomes great enough, a positive charge is induced on Earth.
Eventually attraction is so great that the e- travel from the clouds to Earth to neutralize the charge imbalance.
Pause and watch this 4-min video clip about the different types of lightning:
Also if time, a 4-min video about what happens if you get struck by lightning (although do know it BRIEFLY mentions how if you are wearing an underwire bra it would burn your skin, so may not be something your kids could listen to):

13. Removing Charge
Grounding: process of removing excess charge on an object by transferring e- to another object to neutralize the electrical imbalance.
Redirects charge to the ground rather than a building.