In this demo, a polyethylene strip is charged by rubbing with wool. The strip is then used to test what happens to the flow of charge when the strip is placed in contact with a conductor (iron nail) and the materials are then moved towards a neutral object. An extension to the demo enables students to test what happens when an insulator (eraser) is used in place of the conductor (iron nail).
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THE SOUND PROJECT
Categories: Lab/Student Activity
Students were given a research question in context: If they were stranded on an unknown beach, would it be more efficient to send a sound message through water, ground, or air? We first defined... read more
Teacher Demonstration: Liver Enzyme Action
Categories: Teacher Demonstration
This demonstration illustrates the importance of enzymes in the human body. Enzymes catalyze many important chemical reactions in the body. This demonstration is a visual example of how the enzyme... read more
Teacher Demo: Photosynthesis and Respiration: Complementary Processes
Categories: Teacher Demonstration
The cells of green plants contain the pigment chlorophyll in organelles called chloroplasts. Chloroplasts capture the Sun’s energy and store it―through photosynthesis―as chemical energy. The... read more