One of our favorite toys is LEGOs. I think it is because those tiny blocks can be used to make anything. We've made castles, helicopters, people, birds, and more. The possibilities are endless and they all start with the same little blocks.
Everything in the universe is made of small building blocks, too. Atoms are the basic components of all matter. Chairs, stars, animals, even air is made up of atoms. They are the LEGOs of the universe. These tiny atoms are made up of even smaller particles (protons, neutrons, and electrons) that give atoms interesting properties.
Atom
Properties Of Atoms
Atoms are usually electrically neutral being made up of an equal amount of charged particles: protons (positively charged particles) and electrons (negatively charged particles). Sometimes, an atom loses an electron and that electrical balance is thrown off. The atom then has a positive charge. If an atom gains an electron, that atom would be negatively charged.
When one atom has a negative charge and it comes into contact with a positively charged atom, those atoms are attracted to each other like a magnet. This happens all throughout the universe and is what causes atoms to bond together to create molecules and then larger compounds and objects. Want to see how this works on a scale that we can actually see? Try this simple experiment.
Charged Atoms Experiment
I like science experiments that use materials you probably already have. This one is no different. To see charged atoms in action, you just need to gather a few basic supplies.
Supplies
- balloon (a balloon small enough to hold with one hand is perfect)
- paper
- paper hole punch
Step 1
Using the paper punch, create 20-30 small paper circles and place them on a flat surface. Tip: I like using contrasting colors for the balloon and the paper. It makes the result easier and more fun to see.
Step 2
Blow up the balloon and tie it off. Then, rub it on a clean, dry head of hair.
Step 3
Place the balloon close to the paper circles without touching them. The paper circles should jump up to the balloon. If they do not, rub your hair again and do step 3 over.
What Happened?
When you rubbed the balloon on your hair, the balloon picked up electrons from the hair and the atoms of the balloon became negatively charged. The positively charged atoms in the paper were attracted to those negatively charged atoms of the balloon and when they got close enough to each other ---JUMP!
The attraction between the negatively and positively charged atoms was so great that it overcame the force of gravity and the paper circles jumped up to the balloon and were held there by the same attraction.
Try this fun experiment with your friends and watch them be amazed!
More Science Units for Kids
- Animal Cells (Edible!) K-6th
- Animal Report Forms K-8th
- Crystals - How to Grow Crystals K-6th
- Hatching ButterfliesK-6th
- How to Make a Lava Lamp - K-6th
- Why do Leaves Change Colors K-6th
- Homemade Battery Experiment K-6th
- Pop Rock Science Experiment K-6th
- Simple Machines – Inclined Planes
- Solar System Worksheets
- Squishy Circuits (PreK-6th)
- Weather Unit (free printable unit) K-3rd
Marci is a Christian wife, homeschool mom, science geek, softball coach, hockey mom and blogger, who needs her morning coffee, hair done and make-up on before attempting of those things. You can find her blogging at The Homeschool Scientist
