science experiments electricity

19 Engaging Electricity Science Experiments for Kids: Igniting Curiosity, Innovation, and a Love for STEM

These experiments, tailored for children, transform complex scientific concepts into accessible and enjoyable activities, fostering a deep and lasting interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Beyond mere academic learning, these activities equip children with critical thinking skills, creativity, and a problem-solving mindset—abilities essential for navigating the challenges of the 21st century. As kids light up LEDs, power clocks with fruits, or create simple motors, they’re not just performing tasks; they’re embarking on a voyage of discovery, understanding the science that shapes our world.

Looking for some fun, educational activities to try with the kids? This article shares some great science experiments that teach children all about electricity. https://t.co/wRk6qoemUi pic.twitter.com/WaZGNRTeT2 — AnstandigElectric (@AnstandigE) April 25, 2022

As we delve into the heart of our article, the following section serves as a bridge to the practical application of the theories and principles discussed earlier. Here, we transition from theory to practice, offering young explorers a hands-on opportunity to witness the magic of electricity and magnetism.  So, let’s embark on this practical exploration together, turning curiosity into knowledge and imagination into discovery.

1. Bending Water with Static Electricity

What it teaches, conceptual background, 2. make a magic wand.

The experiment showcases the ability of static electricity to attract objects, effectively turning a simple rod into a ‘magic wand’. This visually engaging activity helps to demystify the concept of static electricity and demonstrates its practical effects.

3. Bubble Balloons

Difficulty Level: Low

4. Soda Can Electroscope

5. separate salt & pepper, 6. butterfly experiment, 7. homopolar motor, 8. electric cornstarch, 9. simple lemon battery, 10. index card flashlight, 11. potato clock, 12. water & electricity, 13. create a motor, 14. build a power pack, 15. making a dimmer switch, 16. paper circuits, 17. play-dough circuits, 18. build an electromagnetic train, 19. bottle radio, the value of electricity science experiments for kids, questions for further exploration.

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25 Cool & Exciting Electricity Experiments For Kids

May 17, 2021 //  by  Sean Kivi

Electricity. It's something that is so vital, so essential to our lives that we rarely give it a second thought. It works because it just...does. You might find it difficult to explain to your stunts about the electrical process and how exactly electrons create power. If so, try some of these electricity experiments for kids below. They are sure to make things electrifying for your students!

1. Waterbending Static Electricity Experiment

This experiment is relatively simple and requires only a few household items to set up. You can use this fun science experiment to teach your kids about static electricity and electric charge.

Learn more: Frugal Fun 4 Boys

2. Make a Magic Wand

The most magical part of this battery science project is that you can use it to make science fun. Your kids will love using a coin battery to make a wizard wand. Take care, though, as this isn’t an experiment for kids that are very young.

Learn more: Babble Dabble Do

3. Index Card Flashlight

Use this simple circuit activity to teach your kids about building circuits and batteries. You can even try developing it for your more advanced students by discussing things like electrical charges.

Find out more: Mystery Science

4. Potato Clock

This awesome electricity science experiment would make a fun science fair project, too. It's a good tool for learning about batteries and the functions of electrical power in a way that is creative and engaging.

See it here: Kidz World

5. Bubble Balloons

Using this static electricity activity, your kids will move balloons with a balloon. A fun science project that requires very little set-up, so it's perfect for the classroom and at home!

Learn more: Create Play Travel

6. Soda Can Electroscope

You'll only need a few household materials for this fun science idea. It will keep your kids engaged and interesting by helping them learn all about the positive charge and negative charge.

Learn more: Fizzics Education

7. Create a Motor

This activity is an excellent way to combine engineering and science. Your students will make a simple motor in this experiment. It’s also a fantastic tool for learning about how magnets work.

8. Build a Power Pack

Explore the power of electricity and batteries with this hands-on activity students will be sure to enjoy. You can use this experiment to power some of the other experiments on this list.

Find out more: Energizer

9. Bottle Radio

This wonderful activity involves creating a crystal radio with just a glass bottle and a few other items. You can even use it once it’s completed, so it's great for learning basic concepts on the topic of electricity!

Check it out: Make Zine

10. Making a Dimmer Switch

Using a light circuit, your kids will create their own dimmer switch. Perfect for teaching about light bulbs, sources of power, and electrical currents in a hands-on way. Definitely not one of the activities for babies, though!

Watch it here: Science Buddies

11. Separate Salt & Pepper

Another static electricity project requires no more than some household materials. Younger grade level students will think it’s magic, but you can teach them about types of electricity instead

Find out more: Frugal Fun 4 Boys

12. Butterfly Experiment 

This balloon science experiment is great for combining art with science fun for preschool-aged children to elementary-age children. They'll simply love seeing the butterfly's wings move, and you can use it to teach the basics of electricity.

See it here: I Heart Crafty Things

13. Homopolar Motor

This simple motor experiment is simple to create and an excellent resource to learn about electric power using copper wire. You can also expand it to make a cool optical illusion.

Check it out: Frugal Fun 4 Boys

14. Build an Electromagnetic Train

This fun activity is not as difficult as it sounds! Electrical energy and neodymium magnets power this train, which you can use to learn about electrical currents and electrical charge.

15. Electric Cornstarch

A slightly different take on the usual static electricity experiment, this hands-on science experiment involves learning about positive and negative charges. You can also help students to learn about key concepts of electricity.

Check it out: Steve Spangler Science

16. Water & Electricity 

Have your students ever wondered why you shouldn’t touch a switch with wet hands? Use this experiment to teach them why with the conductor attributes of regular water molecules, from atom to atom.

Read more: Rookie Parenting

17. Steady Hand Game

Playing an educational and fun game is always a fantastic way to learn and this is certainly no different. Your students will learn about the concept of electricity and current electricity flow. It’s also useful for getting your kids involved in STEAM!

See it here: Left Brain Craft Brain

18. Tiny Dancers Homopolar Motor

This activity is an expanded version of classic electricity experiments like number 13. Your students will simply adore seeing the dancers move by neodymium magnet in this cool battery experiment!

Check it out: Babble Dabble Do

19. Simple Lemon Battery

This edible science experiment is an innovative take on teaching complete circuits. Try using different fruits and vegetables and compare their output. Make sure you assist in following directions with children that are younger.

20. Rising Ghosts Experiment

This is an excellent treat for Halloween! This can be used to learn about static charges and electrons with simple materials. You can make it an even more in-depth lesson by looking at concepts like the conduction of electricity.

Read more: Fizzics Education

21. Play Dough Circuits

Get some playdough and let your students craft it into whatever shape they please, then help to show them how it works to conduct electricity. They'll simply love creating this ingenious closed circuit!

See it here: Science Sparks

22. Copper Plate Coins

All you need for one of these exciting electricity experiments is a few household materials and a battery. Your students will be fascinated with the process of electrolysis and using a coin cell battery.

Check it out: Kiwi Co

23. Dirt Battery Experiment

Yes, you got that right - a battery-powered by dirt! This won't fulfill all of your students' electricity needs, but it sure is a fascinating way to teach them about how dirt can function as a conductor.

Learn more: Teach Beside Me

24. Rainbow Salt Circuit

You should be able to find everything at home already for this experiment. Your students will simply love seeing the array of colors of salt, using food coloring, and making a beautiful circuit.

Read more: Steam Powered Family

Science Fun

Make An Electromagnetic Train Electricity Science Experiment

This is a great science experiment that explores electricity and magnetism and results in an impressive and fun “train” that rips around its track using electromagnetism.

• Roll of 18 gauge copper wire
• Wire cutters
• AAA Battery
• Round neodymium magnets that are about the same diameter as an AAA battery

Instructions:

• Put two to four magnets on each end of your AAA battery. The magnets needs to be placed against the battery with the magnet poles facing the opposite direction of those of the battery.
• Next, wrap the copper wire around the AA battery. Make your track nice and long before you cut off the excess. Your track will look like a long slinky or spring. 
• Place the ‘train’ inside the track and watch it go!

EXPLORE AWESOME SCIENCE EXPERIMENT VIDEOS!

How it Works:

When the magnets are placed on the ends of the battery, a bar magnet is essentially created with a North and South pole. When the “train” is placed inside the copper coils, an electrical current flows through the coils and a magnetic field is created around the train. The North and South poles of this magnetic field push the train along the track. 

Make This A Science Project:

Test different sized batteries. Test different gauges of copper wire. Add additional magnets to the train. Test different lengths of track to see how far your train can travel. 

Note: Batteries drain quickly during this experiment. Keep this in mind when compiling your observations and make sure you are using fresh batteries when making comparisons. 

EXPLORE TONS OF FUN AND EASY SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS!

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25 Electricity Experiments For Kids

By Beth Roberts | Last Updated April 21, 2022

It’s hard to get kids excited about science and experiments. But luckily, there are plenty of cool ideas for electricity experiments for kids that you can use to change that.

Take a look at these 25 unique science projects for kids about electricity, perfect for all ages and skill levels. You will find some easy, quick experiments that take more time and preparation. So try something new this summer.

1. Waterbending Static Electricity Experiment 

The kids want to know what they can do with the electricity they get from their hairdryers, and that’s a good question. Can they turn it into the water? Can they create an electrical field and make water? The answer is yes! Follow this simple step-by-step guide to see how to do it. This experiment is fun for all ages, but children will enjoy playing with this stuff the most.

2. Make a Magic Wand 

You probably know about static electricity. It’s what causes the hair to stand up on your arms and the hair dryers to get hot. But did you know that you can use that static electricity to create a magic wand ? Kids will love learning how magnets work and how to make them work together.

3. Index Card Flashlight Experiment

Do the kids want to know how light works? It turns out that light is created by electricity and magnetism . In this easy experiment, the kids will learn about the basic principles of light using just a little bit of aluminum foil.

4. Potato Clock 

Potato Clock is a cute little science experiment that will teach kids how electricity and magnetism work together to create a clock. The potato is the clock face; the paper is the hands; the pen is a needle, and the magnets are the wind-up key. The kids will love making this clock, and they can even make it into a working toy if they choose to.

5. Bubble Balloons 

This experiment is a blast for all ages. The kids will learn how to make a bubble balloon and then how the bubble balloon becomes energized by electricity and magnetism when they touch it together!

6. Soda Can Electroscope 

There are two basic ways that the human brain sees movement. One way is through color and light; the other is sound and vibration. Both of these ways are important to us as humans but at different levels of importance. If you think about it, when you see a person, they have a face or a walking motion. But when you see something move in the dark or a mirror, it can be almost unrecognizable to you.

7. Create a Motor 

Creating a Motor is a great experiment to show kids how electricity works. They will learn about magnets and how they work to create motion in a simple motor. You will need some paper, a drawing, and a wire. You can make one for yourself or build one for your child.

8. Build a Power Pack

Build a Power Pack is an easy experiment that shows kids how electricity and magnets work together to create motion. They will need a paper clip, some aluminum foil, and some tape. Building a Power Pack is a fun, easy, and cheap way to teach kids to develop their primary electrical circuits. You can do this too! You will need some components. 

9. Bottle Radio 

You can make a bottle radio out of aluminum foil if you have a lot of it. The kids will love looking at the different sounds that come out of the bottle, and they may even be able to learn some science along the way.

10. Making a Dimmer Switch 

Making a Dimmer Switch is another way to process electricity that always makes me smile. When the kids make a dimmer switch, they will learn how magnets work together to create motion and light. They can then use this knowledge to create their electromagnets!

11. Separate Salt & Pepper 

Separate Salt & Pepper scientific project only requires a battery and some salt & pepper. Pour the salt and pepper into separate containers and place the mortar between them. This works because storms cause the electro-central place of batteries atoms in this works. The particles in each article are attracted to the end of the storm.

12. Butterfly Experiment  

A butterfly may seem like nothing more than a pretty winged insect. But when you use electrical charge and light, you can use a butterfly to demonstrate how electricity moves around the world. The easiest way to do this is with the double-sided 4x4x4 L.E.D. Cube and a single L.E.D. that has four sections of equal lengths. Simply connect one cube side up, then place the other cube side down on top of it.

13. Homopolar Motor 

Homopolar motors work by using electricity and magnets . They involve spinning a magnet at high speeds. A small wheel to propel the interest if the magnetic field is strong enough.

14. Build an Electromagnetic Train 

Electromagnetic trains are a great way to investigate the properties of electromagnetism. If you have no experience with this kind of science project, you can still make your own. Only a few everyday home items and some patience are required. First, make sure that the track will be smooth and even. Next, find a material that can conduct electricity well and put it on the way so that it won’t be too small or big.

15. Electric Cornstarch 

Electric cornstarch is a great way to prove that cornstarch can conduct electricity. You have to make a plastic glove by cutting the top off a bottle and filling it with cornstarch. Then, charge one end of the plastic glove with electricity, and the other side will light up.

16. Water & Electricity 

Water is famous for its ability to conduct electricity. It was demonstrated in this project when in a clear glass bottle with two different electrolytes. The two electrolytes were saltwater and pure vinegar. The only difference was that one contained salt while the other contained vinegar when the saltwater with electricity becomes an electrolyte using a voltmeter.

17. Steady Hand Game 

Who knew a battery, a tiny bit of metal, and two wires could provide so much entertainment? After the cables are attached to the battery and the metal, place one on each side of your hand. You will feel an electrical vibration that will make it hard for you to keep your hand steady.

18. Tiny Dancers (Homopolar Motor) 

Homopolar motors are fun and easy to make. And they are also known as tiny dancers because they tend to spin around in circles. This is a great beginner project for learning about electricity, but it does require some items that you may not have lying around the house. So double-check the list before you begin!

19. Simple Lemon Battery

Simple Lemon Battery particular fun experiment has so much to offer because it is one of the most basic. But it still proves electricity is natural and how a battery works. In short, all you need are a lemon, two nails, and an alligator clip. Then, attach one pin to the opposing end of the battery and the other nail to the positive end. Finally, put the middle of each nail into a lemon half.

20. Rising Ghosts Experiment 

A motion source creates electromagnetic fields . Then, they will attract electrons to it and make an electric field that acts as an antenna. In this project, you will charge a ghost with electricity, and then you will be able to see the ghost move, but it won’t be floating.

21. Play Dough Circuits 

Play Dough Circuits is a straightforward project that makes it easy to see what happens in a circuit without going with the big guns of building a complete course. One course consists of two conductive rods and polystyrene balls. You can use whatever materials you have around the house–including play dough!

22. Copper Plate Coin 

Use a pen going to complete a circuit and light up some L.E.D.s! It is such a fun project for kids as it is easy to set up and does not require much work–or even very many materials, for that matter. And look at how cool the lights shine through when you hold the copper plate above them!

23. Dirt Battery Experiment 

Dirt Battery Experiment is a fun activity that shows kids how batteries work. You need to prepare a half cup of copper sulfate and dish soap–and then mix it all up (using your hands). Then, add half a cup of salt and another cup of warm water. It takes about five minutes to put up, and your kids will have a fun science experiment to show off to their friends.

24. Rainbow Salt Circuit 

Rainbow Salt Circuit is an excellent , colorful project that your kids will love to do. It uses liquid crystals and salt to make a circuit that lights up when pouring in the salt. Rainbow Salt Circuit  can be adapted to suit any age and is one of the best easy experiments for kids

25. Homemade Wigglebot 

Homemade Wigglebot is a fun project that looks like a face but acts like an actual robot! This requires very few materials, so it is an excellent science experiment for kids. The Wigglerbot in a straightforward way–just some wooden craft sticks and plastic tubing. Simply attach the tubes to the tips of the wooden craft sticks, as this creates a circuit.

Electricity Experiments with Kids: Super Easy Science Experiments

Activities » Science » Electricity Experiments with Kids: Super Easy Science Experiments

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Ready to bring science-filled fun into your home with some electricity experiments for kids? It’s likely that you already have most of the materials necessary within arm’s reach, and you’ll be able to get started right away.

By involving children in conducting basic electrical experiments at a young age, you can help cultivate their interest in science and introduce intriguing concepts such as magnetic fields, circuits, and currents – all without having to leave the comfort of your own home!

Get ready to explore these super easy science experiments !

Electricity  experiments are the perfect ones for budding scientists , which is pretty much every child, so curious about the world and how “things” work. You know we’re a bit science obsessed as seen with our Friction experiment and Balloon Rocket .

The activity is ideally suited for kindergarten and up but can be adjusted to work with a slightly younger child and certainly an older child. My 3.5-year-old is definitely intrigued but my 5-year-old “got it”.

Here is a wonderful activity to add to your arsenal of electricity experiments with kids.

Electricity Experiments with Kids

Scroll Down Below for a Free Printable to Use with this Activity

What is electricity.

Well, let’s start with an electric charge. Think about it like this: all matter is made up of atoms. Atoms are either positively charged protons, negatively charged electrons, or neutrons, which carry no charge at all.

If an object is charged, it either attracts or repels (pulls or pushes) other charged objects. Like charged objects repel and oppositely charged objects attract.

The behavior of an object that has been charged is dependent upon whether the object is made of a conductive or a nonconductive material.

On the other hand, insulators a re materials that prevent the free flow of electrons from atom to atom and molecule to molecule. If the charge is transferred to an insulator at a given location, the excess charge will remain at the initial location of charging.

Related Post:   Easy Science Activity for Kids: Make an Awesome Pulley with Kids!

Helpful FREE Resource for this Activity

Battery Electricity Experiment

The purpose of this activity is to test materials to understand what materials conduct or resist or “insulate” electric current.

Electricity Experiment Materials

• Aluminum Foil (folded lengthwise and “rolled” up)
• Tray or table for workspace
• Objects to test such as a key, an eraser, a coin, a nail, a piece of chalk, a piece of wood, and a candle. Older children can test materials such as aluminum, copper, nickel, and tin.
• Paper and Pencil to record results
• Conductor and Insulator Sorting Worksheet

Electricity Experiment Approach

• Gather battery and bulb (I used an old flashlight bulb and battery)
• Seek out materials and objects to test (I found many useful testers around my home)
• Play on tray or workspace
• Present to your child
• Explain the activity in detail and words appropriate to the child’s developmental stage
• Point to the battery, the bulb, and the foil
• Ask the child to roll the foil
• Point to the bowl of objects (for younger students)/materials (for older students) and talk about conductivity and insulation
• Test objects by placing the object between the battery and the bulb, then touching the foil to the base of the bulb. The bulb should light up (or not).
• Encourage children to take notes about the objects/materials and their observation

Further Science Learning

• In preschool or kindergarten, sort the objects/materials into conductors or insulators
• For elementary, make a graph of weakest to strongest conductors (since conductivity is a matter of degree )
• Ask questions about the materials that insulated best, or did not insulate well
• Brainstorm a list of objects or materials that might conduct (or insulate).
• Roll the foil for the great fine motor work
• Hold the object or material as you test with the foil (or vice versa)
• Ask the child ahead of time what objects he believes may conduct electricity, and why
• Assess the child’s learning by testing a clothespin (or another object with both insulator and conductor attributes). Is it a conductor or an insulator? Which parts of the clothespin will light the bulb?

Pin for later!

Check out these other science experiments:

• Fruit Electricity with a Lemon Clock
• Ridiculously Easy Friction Science Experiment Your Kids Will Love
• Exploring the Science of Sound
• Baking Soda and Vinegar Experiment with Balloons

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Static Electricity Experiments For Kids

Ever noticed how when you rub a balloon against your hair, it sticks to the wall? That’s static electricity in action! Learn more about this fun science concept with simple static electricity experiments, and everyday examples of static electricity. Enjoy hands-on physics experiments for kids!

Explore Static Electricity For Physics

Static electricity happens when tiny particles called electrons build up on an object, making it either positively or negatively charged.

When these charged objects get near each other, they can do some pretty cool things, like making your hair stand on end or attracting small things, like pieces of paper or confetti.

So, static electricity is all about the invisible forces that make objects stick together or repel each other, and it’s a fun and fascinating part of science that you can explore with simple static electricity experiments below.

For more ways to explore physics with kids, check out our list of easy physics experiments .

What Is Static Electricity?

Think of tiny invisible particles called electrons as little magnets. Everything around us, like your hair, a balloon, or even a piece of cloth, is made up of these particles. Learn more about electrons here.

Sometimes, when two things rub against each other, like when you rub a balloon against your hair, the electrons can get all jumbled up and move from one thing to the other.

When this happens, one thing gets extra electrons, and the other thing loses some. The one with extra electrons becomes negatively charged, like a minus sign, and the one that lost some becomes positively charged, like a plus sign.

These opposite charges make things stick together or repel each other, like magnets with opposite ends.

So, when you rub the balloon on your hair, it’s taking some of your hair’s electrons, making the balloon negatively charged.

That’s why the balloon can stick to the wall or make your hair stand up—all because of those jumbled-up electrons creating static electricity. It’s like a tiny invisible magic show happening all around us!

Get your FREE printable science worksheets!

Examples of Static Electricity

Here are some everyday examples of static electricity that you can explain to kids. These examples help kids understand that static electricity is all around us, and it can be both fun and surprising when we see it in action. It’s like a little bit of science magic happening every day!

• Balloon on the Wall: When you rub a balloon against your hair and then stick it to the wall, it’s static electricity at work. The balloon becomes negatively charged from the friction, and it sticks to the wall, which has a different charge.
• Walking on Carpet: Sometimes, when you walk on a carpet with socks, you may feel a shock when you touch a metal doorknob. This happens because you build up a charge by rubbing against the carpet, and when you touch the doorknob, the charge flows and gives you a little shock.
• Socks and Jumping Beans: Sometimes, when you take off your socks after walking on a carpet, they might attract small items like jumping beans or bits of paper. The socks get charged as you walk, making them attract other small objects.
• Static Cling in the Dryer: When you take clothes out of the dryer, they might sometimes stick together or to the sides of the drum. This happens because of static electricity from the friction of the clothes rubbing against each other.
• Balloons Stick Together: If you rub two balloons against your hair and then bring them close together, they might stick to each other. This is because the like charges (both negatively charged) on the balloons repel each other.
• Crackling Sounds in the Winter: In cold, dry weather, you might hear crackling sounds when you touch things or take off your winter hat. That’s static electricity being discharged.
• Lightning: Explain how lightning during a thunderstorm is a massive example of static electricity in nature. It happens when negative charges build up in the clouds and discharge as a bright bolt of lightning to the ground.
• Petting a Cat or Dog: Sometimes, when you pet your cat or dog, you might feel a little shock when you touch their fur. It’s because of static electricity from friction between their fur and your hand.

Here are some simple and fun examples of static electricity experiments and demonstrations that are great for learning at home or in the classroom.

Rolling Can Static Electricity

The rolling can experiment provides a tangible demonstration of static electricity’s captivating nature! Grab a balloon and an aluminum can to get started.

Bending Water

Can you bend a stream of water with static electricity? It’s an easy and fun science demonstration for people of various ages to try.

Static Electricity with Balloons

Rub a balloon against your hair or a piece of wool cloth, and then place it near small pieces of paper. The paper should be attracted to the balloon, demonstrating the effect of static electricity. What happens when you use different types of cloth?

We’ve tested lightweight paper, tissue paper, and tinsel! What else can you test?

Static Electricity with a Plastic Straw

Rub a plastic straw with a piece of cloth or fur and then use it to pick up small pieces of paper or confetti. The static charge on the straw will make the paper pieces stick to it.

Static Electricity with a Plastic Bag

Inflate a plastic bag and rub it against your hair or a piece of fabric. Hold the bag near a wall, which should stick to the wall due to the static charge.

Static Electricity with a Balloon and Salt and Pepper

Rub a balloon against your hair and then bring it to a plate of salt and pepper. The salt and pepper will be attracted to the balloon, demonstrating the power of static electricity.

Static Electricity with a Comb and Water

Run a comb through your hair and bring it near a thin stream of water. The water will be attracted to the comb and bend towards it.

Check out the experiment details further below!

Static Electricity with Cornstarch Goop

Make electric goop ! Mix up a batch of cornstarch oobleck and test out the power of static electricity with a balloon.

Also Try: Static Electricity Butterfly

Make it fly! Harness the power of static electricity.

• Lightweight Paper/Tissue Paper
• Tape and Scissors

Instructions:

STEP 1: Cut out a butterfly shape from lightweight paper or tissue paper,

STEP 2: Attach a small piece of tape to its center and affix it to a straw.

STEP 3: Generate static electricity by rubbing a balloon against the fabric. Hold the charged balloon near the butterfly.

STEP 4: Observe as the butterfly flutters toward the balloon drawn by invisible forces!

Try This Static Electricity Experiment with a Comb

This comb and water static electricity experiment is a fun way to demonstrate the principles of static electricity to kids.

• A plastic comb (the type with fine teeth works well)
• A running faucet or a source of water
• A small piece of dry paper or a small piece of tissue
• A piece of dry cloth or wool (a piece of wool fabric or a wool sweater works great)

STEP 1. Take the dry comb and rub it vigorously against the dry cloth or wool for about 20-30 seconds. This rubbing creates a buildup of static electricity on the comb.

TIP: If the comb is not dry, be sure to dry it with a paper towel or cloth so that it’s completely free of water.

STEP 2. Have a running faucet nearby or fill a small sink with a shallow layer of water.

STEP 3. Now, while still holding the comb, bring it near the running faucet or the water surface without actually touching the water.

You should see that the water stream bends toward the comb, as if the comb is magically attracting the water.

TIP: You can also try this with a small piece of tissue instead of running water. When you bring the charged comb close to the tissue, you’ll notice that it’s attracted to the comb.

What is happening?

When you rub the comb against the cloth or wool, it picks up extra electrons and becomes negatively charged. The water or tissue has a positive charge.

Opposite charges attract, so the negatively charged comb attracts the positively charged water or tissue. This is a simple demonstration of the principles of static electricity.

Make sure to explain this concept to the kids while conducting the experiment, and encourage them to try it themselves. It’s a great way to make science fun and interactive for children.

Helpful Science Resources To Use

Here are a few resources that will help you introduce science more effectively to your kiddos or students and feel confident yourself when presenting materials. You’ll find helpful free printables throughout.

• Best Science Practices (as it relates to the scientific method)
• Science Vocabulary
• 8 Science Books for Kids
• All About Scientists
• Science Supplies List
• Science Tools for Kids
• Join us in the Club

More Physical Science Activities To Explore

• Gravity Experiments
• Magnet Activities
• Simple Machine Projects
• Potential & Kinetic Energy
• Light Experiments
• Surface Tension Experiments

Science Experiments By Age Group

We’ve put together a few separate resources for different age groups, but remember that many experiments will cross over and can be re-tried at several different age levels. Younger kiddos can enjoy the simplicity and hands-on fun. At the same time, you can talk back and forth about what is happening.

As kiddos get older, they can bring more complexity to the experiments, including using the scientific method , developing hypotheses, exploring variables , creating different tests, and writing conclusions from analyzing data.

• Science for Toddlers
• Science for Preschoolers
• Science for Kindergarten
• Elementary Science by Season
• Science for 1st Grade
• Science for 2nd Grade
• Science for 3rd Grade
• Science for 4th Grade
• Science for 6th Grade
• Science for Middle School

Printable Science Projects For Kids

If you’re looking to grab all of our printable science projects in one convenient place plus exclusive worksheets and bonuses like a STEAM Project pack, our Science Project Pack is what you need! Over 300+ Pages!

• 90+ classic science activities  with journal pages, supply lists, set up and process, and science information.  NEW! Activity-specific observation pages!
• Best science practices posters  and our original science method process folders for extra alternatives!
• Be a Collector activities pack  introduces kids to the world of making collections through the eyes of a scientist. What will they collect first?
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Easy Play Dough Circuits

February 12, 2015 By Emma Vanstone 9 Comments

Did you know play dough conducts electricity and can be used to make circuits?

Using play dough is a fun and very low cost way to learn about circuits and electricity.  In our circuit we use a component called a Light Emitting Diode (LED).  These are very easy and inexpensive to purchase from online stores or electronics shops.  Light emitting diodes light up when electricity flows through them (like light bulbs).  They only let electricity flow through them in one direction, so if you put them in the wrong way round, they won’t light up.

Our little activity show how you can make circuits of any shape you want using play dough.

Easy play dough circuits

Battery Pack:

UK: http://amzn.to/2dS9vCj

US: http://amzn.to/2dSberc

Insulating play dough – make your own

Instructions

• First make your play dough. For the insulating ( non conducting )dough we used this recipe from Squishy Circuits .
• For the conductive dough we used a standard play dough recipe with salt. Or you can just use shop bought play dough.
• The next task is to test your doughs,  set up a simple circuit like the one below and check the LED only lights up with the conductive play dough.

Then you can get a bit more adventurous.

You can see in this circuit the gaps in the conducting play dough are completed by the LEDs.

Remember current can only go through an LED one way….

Series Circuit

In this circuit below the LEDs are arranged in series.  The positive leg of the LED is nearest the positive terminal of the battery (red lead).  A battery pushes electricity around the circuit.  It can only go through the LED one way (through the long leg and out the short leg) and we bridge the gaps with the LED.  It then goes through the play dough to the next LED, again it has to be the right way round.

In a series circuit the electricity can only flow one way around the circuit.

Parallel circuit

In the circuit below the LEDs are arranged in parallel .  Electricity flows again through each of the LEDs completing the circuit.  In a real circuit with more efficient wiring (play dough, while amazing is probably not the best way to carry electricity) you can see differences in how LEDs light up when comparing them in series and in parallel.

In a parallel circuit the electricity splits up and travels through the different branches of the circuit.

Fun shapes and play dough circuits

Next we experimented with different shapes.  The middle layer in each of the shapes below is insulating dough which you need to allow the electricity to flow correctly around the circuit.

Another shape we made with our “sandwich” circuit.

This video shows how we made our sandwich circuits.  We had to use a layer to insulate one of the legs from the other in the LED.  This is a little bit like how the circuits in your electronic toys work, we call them circuit boards.

We’d love to see what shapes you can make!

More Play Dough Circuit Ideas

This light up play dough snowman is super cute!

I love this light up rainbow from Lemon Lime Adventures too!

Why does play dough conduct electricity?

Play-dough contains salt dissolved in water, which conducts electricity.

The insulating dough contains sugar which does not conduct electricity.

More electricity activities for kids

Make a simple cardboard circuit . This is a great way to demonstrate circuits to younger children and very neat.

Draw a circuit with a graphite pencil. Did you know graphite conducts electricity?

Or, how about using your new circuit skills to make a homemade torch ?

Contains affiliate links

Last Updated on September 10, 2022 by Emma Vanstone

Safety Notice

Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

Reader Interactions

March 20, 2015 at 5:34 pm

Very cool, Emma! What was the voltage on your battery pack?

May 05, 2015 at 7:01 am

Ha! The things you learn about play dough… It’s probably good that I didn’t know this when I was growing up 🙂

February 01, 2017 at 1:44 pm

fuck ye all ye fools

November 28, 2016 at 10:04 am

February 01, 2017 at 1:45 pm

add me on psn cregan99

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The Best Electricity Science Experiments

These are the best electricity science experiments to wow your kids and ignite their love of engineering!

Whether it’s raining outside, or you’re looking for a fun and creative way to keep your kids entertained when you are stuck at home, electricity experiments are perfect for the job!

There are so many fun ways you can add these science experiments to your lesson plans to create a fun and hands-on learning experience for your kids! These are all pretty easy to do at home, and your kids will love them!

You may be able to find most of these materials online or right in your own home! Here are the best electricity science experiments for your kids to do at home.

Sunshine Whispers participates in the Amazon Associates and Amazon Influencer Programs. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned on this site and in this post.

1. PumpkiN Paper  n Circuits

It’s your kid’s face that will light up with this simple pumpkin circuit experiment!

2. Squishy Circuits

Homemade Play Dough and Battery powered circuits? How could that be anything but a blast?!

3. Glow Salt Circuit 

This is a spooky cool glow in the dark circuit experiment. 

4. Harry Potter Wands

Calling all witches and wizards! You will want to do this experiment before your next game of Quidditch! 

5. Torch Light Simple Circuit

Kids can make their own flashlight. This is a really neat project. 

6. Valentine Light bulb Corner Bookmark

This adorable light up Valentine’s Day card is sure to light up the life of the recipient. 

7. Make a Simple Switch

A great tutorial on how to make a simple light switch. 

8. Christmas Static Electricity Science Jumping Tinsel

If you have ever gotten an electric charge from rubbing a balloon on your sweater, you will totally understand and love this experiment.

9. Static Electricity: Gravity Defying Snake

An easy experiment that causes a paper snake to move on it’s own.

10. Lemon Battery Science Experiment

Do you think you can turn a lemon into a battery? Why not try this experiment out?

11. Electric Eels

It is really so fun to watch this gummy worm eels squirm.

12. Electricity Experiments

A great explanation of how to use batteries with simple electricity experiments your kids will totally dig.

13. Static Electricity Butterfly Experiment

A great activity for preschoolers to teach them about static electricity.

14. Play Dough Circuits

Another great demonstration of how play dough can be used to build an electric circuit!

Check Out These Fun STEM Ideas Too!

• 20 Science Experiments That Are Basically Magic
• 20+ STEM Challenges That Use Simple Materials
• 4 Fun Kitchen Science Experiments to Conduct This Summer
• 15 Amazing Spring Science Experiments
• Edible Slime Recipes 
• Slime Recipes with 4 Ingredients of Less

Hi! If you love to have fun with your kids and explore, create, travel, laugh, and love.. you have come to the right place! Follow along to get great tips for fun in Maryland, family travel destinations, and other family fun ideas!

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July 22, 2024

This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

fact-checked

trusted source

Researchers are exploring new ways to learn that make science more relevant to everyday life, and more fun

by Andrew Dunne, Horizon: The EU Research & Innovation Magazine

Frank Täufer, a scientific assistant at Campus Wiesengut—the University of Bonn's ecological teaching and research farm—asked a group of visiting 8-year-olds to speculate on why the rye plants in his field were all different heights. He was surprised by their insightful range of responses.

Some of the children suggested that the tall plants at the farm received more sunlight. Others thought there could be different types of rye in the field, or that insects may be blighting the crop. One student, after digging up a plant to inspect its roots, thought that the soil must be different across the field.

"They really asked questions and thought of ideas that I wouldn't have myself," said Täufer. "I regularly ask these questions to my university students , and they don't have as many ideas. And none of them has ever dug up a plant to look at the roots."

Taking children outside the classroom

Täufer's work is part of the three-year MULTIPLIERS project that aims to explore ways of making science more appealing to young people .

They are doing this through the creation of what they call Open Science Communities, or OSCs. The idea is to create collaborative networks among schools, universities, informal education providers, museums, local associations, and industry and civil society in order to expand the opportunities for students to learn about science in real-world settings—like the farm.

"I think it's very important to bring students outside the classroom in order to have authentic themes to work on and to make learning about science relevant to everyday life ," said Professor Annette Scheersoi, a specialist in sustainability science education from the University of Bonn and coordinator of MULTIPLIERS.

"When you are interested, you remember better, but you also connect more and feel the value and relevance," she said.

Connecting science and real life

OSCs have so far been set up in six European countries: Cyprus, Germany, Italy, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. Students in all six countries were given the opportunity to interact with science experts from a wide range of backgrounds to explore science-based solutions for modern-day problems.

The idea is to help young people relate to the real-life science challenges we face every day, ranging from antimicrobial resistance to clean water and sanitation.

In Barcelona, for example, secondary school students were invited to apply what they learned in chemistry classes to measure air pollution in the school playground and at home. Then they presented the results.

In Germany, Slovenia and Sweden, students took to the forest to learn about sustainable forestry and biodiversity. With the guidance of local foresters and scientists, students studied different trees up close and made decisions on whether they should be felled or not.

"The approach was to consider forestry as a complex dilemma with trade-offs between the ecosystem and wood production," Scheersoi said.

Multiplying the impact

Crucial also for Scheersoi has been the multiplier effect—turning the students into teachers and giving them the chance to share their newfound knowledge with others.

Schoolchildren on the ecological farm invited their parents to a tasting session where they discussed the benefits of organic produce. In the forest, parents were invited to a Forest Day under the trees, where the children shared what they had learned.

Students have also been encouraged to share their knowledge by creating podcasts, science blogs, or organizing science fairs for families. Now the hope is to build on this work and further embed the approach beyond the project.

"Across MULTIPLIERS we have seen how students, teachers and outside science experts have engaged in these lessons. We want these networks to not only stay, but to grow, bringing in more people and bringing forward this new way of learning for students," said Scheersoi.

Science for sustainability

As part of its open science policy, the EU is supporting open schooling for science education, recognizing that Europe needs more scientists, including citizen scientists.

This is something that is also important to Jelena Kajganović, a sustainability expert at Geonardo, a Hungarian innovation and technology company active in the energy, environment and sustainable development fields.

Kajganović led a three-year project called OTTER which, like MULTIPLIERS, aimed to inspire a different approach to science learning and connect students to real-world challenges outside the classroom. They call this approach education outside the classroom (EOC).

Taking learning out of the school setting through things like outdoor activities and fieldtrips, has proven positive effects, says Kajganović. OTTER investigated how EOC could also help improve the acquisition of new knowledge and skills, specifically in the field of environmental sustainability.

"The core ideas behind OTTER are how to make science education more attractive, how to encourage students to learn and apply their knowledge," she said.

Although Kajganović observes a general apathy towards science in many classrooms, she sees this as untapped potential to do more to connect learning with pressing sustainability challenges.

Working with partners in Finland, Hungary, Ireland and Spain, OTTER sought to connect science lessons in the classroom with local issues. Very quickly students in OTTER schools began to link theory and practice.

In one school, near Barcelona, a group of 14-year-olds took samples from the local river to test water quality and were alarmed by the results. Based on their findings, the students organized an online petition calling for the river to be cleaned up.

"By testing the water, they could see the problem and they could see the connection with their own lives. It really clicked in their heads," said Kajganović.

Sharing knowledge across Europe

To spread the impact of their work further, the OTTER team created an online learning platform with a range of interactive teaching materials that educators can use to help them carry out education outside the classroom activities.

Looking ahead, OTTER now hopes to get teachers across Europe to use the platform to explore ways to get involved in outdoor science learning. Longer term, Kajganović believes it could spark a new way of thinking about science and inspire the next generation.

"I would really like to see our approach to science education changing by giving young people more space to think about science and its application in their lives," she said. "In terms of sustainability, if we don't solve our problems, no one will, and it was amazing to see young people taking the lead."

• MULTIPLIERS
• EU open science policy
• European Research Area

Provided by Horizon: The EU Research & Innovation Magazine

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