Atoms in Action

Explore atoms and their components and learn how the parts interact!

In this experiment, students explore static electricity to see how electrons behave and interact with matter.

By rubbing a balloon on their hair or wool, they create a buildup of negative charge (electrons) on the balloon.

When the charged balloon is held near crisped rice cereal, the cereal is attracted to it—demonstrating how opposite charges attract.

Students observe how objects made of atoms respond to electric charges, helping them understand concepts like electron transfer, attraction and repulsion, and real-life phenomena like getting shocked after walking across carpeted floors.

Learning Objectives

Students will know

Atoms
Protons
Neutrons
Electrons

Students will understand

Electrons can be transferred to objects
Like charges repel and opposite charges attract

Students will be able to

Use static electricity to see how electrons and protons interact with one another.

Standards Alignment + Connections

Next Generation Science Standards Connections

3-PS2-3: Ask questions to determine cause and effect relationships of electric or magnetic interactions between two objects not in contact with each other.