Halloween is coming, and it’s a great time to have fun with science! Let’s learn how to make flying ghosts using simple things you can find at home. This activity is not only exciting but also teaches us about static electricity.
Here’s what you’ll need to make your flying ghosts:
First, draw a ghost shape on the tissue paper. You can add arms and a spooky face to make it look cool. Once you’re happy with your ghost, carefully cut it out with scissors. Remember to use safety scissors if you need them.
Next, blow up the balloon and tie it tightly. It might take a few tries, so don’t worry if it doesn’t work the first time. Once your balloon is ready, put it aside for now.
To make your ghost fly, you need static electricity. Rub the balloon on your hair really fast. This will make the balloon negatively charged because it picks up extra electrons from your hair.
Now, hold the charged balloon close to your ghost. Watch as your ghost lifts off the table! This is how static electricity works its magic.
What you just saw is called static electricity. There are two kinds of electricity:
When you rubbed the balloon on your hair, it got a negative charge. The tissue paper ghost has a positive charge, and opposites attract, so the ghost rises toward the balloon.
You can try this experiment with different materials to see what happens. Use different types of paper like:
Guess which one will fly the best and then test it out. You might find that lighter materials fly higher because they are easier for the static electricity to lift.
Making flying ghosts is a fun way to celebrate Halloween and learn about static electricity. Try this experiment with your friends and enjoy some spooky science fun!
Static Electricity Hunt: Go on a static electricity hunt around your house! Rub a balloon on your hair and see what other objects it can attract. Try it with small pieces of paper, aluminum foil, or even cereal. Make a list of the objects that stick to the balloon and think about why some objects are attracted more than others.
Design Your Own Ghost: Use different materials to create your own unique ghost. Try using tissue paper, toilet paper, or even a coffee filter. Decorate your ghost with markers or stickers. Once your ghost is ready, use the balloon to see which ghost flies the best. Talk about why you think some ghosts fly better than others.
Question Time: Think about these questions and discuss them with a friend or family member: