Exploring Static vs. Human-Harnessed Electricity

To explore different types of atoms

To understand how to generate electricity

To describe and explain the differences between naturally occurring static electricity and human harnessed electricity

To learn about the history of electricity

Protons, neutrons, and electrons

Cells

Molecules

Ions

Your hair stands up due to static electricity

Nothing happens

Your hair gets wet

The balloon pops

Because there are more thunderstorms

Because it rains more

Because the air is very humid

Because the air is very dry

The movement of electrons in the ground

The movement of air around very fast

The presence of water in the clouds

The temperature difference between the ground and the clouds

A light bulb

A battery

Lightning

A solar panel

To reduce noise

To avoid overheating

To prevent damage from static electric charges

To save electricity

It is harmful to electronics

It is unpredictable and random

It cannot be controlled by humans

It is produced and controlled by humans

Electric shock from a doorknob

Lightning

Static charge on a balloon

Electricity from a generator

Both are predictable and controlled

Both are harmful to electronics

Both can be used as a power source

Both involve the movement of electrons