🔬 Science · Energy

Static electricity and sparks

Explain static electricity as the build-up of electric charge through friction, describe how charged objects attract or repel each other, and relate static discharge to everyday phenomena such as lightning

Typical age: 11–12 years

“Can your child explain why a balloon rubbed on hair sticks to the wall, and connect this to the science of how lightning forms during a thunderstorm?”

0 / 3 mastered

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Needs first

Current, voltage, and what they measure
Understanding charge flow in circuits (current) enriches the concept of static charge as a build-up of charge with no flow path
Conductors and insulators
KS2 conductors and insulators provides context: static charge builds where charges cannot flow (insulators)

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