ElectricitySim

=Large Group Introduction= (HS teacher addresses whole group with laptop & smartboard/projector, and Van de Graaff Generator) Discuss as a whole group the difference between neutral objects, which have equal numbers of charges, and charged objects which have unequal numbers of charges. Rubbing two things together can sometimes make this happen – which we can demonstrate up on the screen with the PhET Balloons & Static Electricity simulation. The Van de Graaff Generator can also produce this effect in a very dramatic way. Why does someone’s hair stand up when they touch it? What do you feel when you are being charged up? What do you feel when the charges move? What is the difference between the Van de Graaff and a battery?

Theme: There is a force of attraction, called electricity.

 * Show no charges, no wall

Theme: There are two kinds of charge, and opposites attract.

 * Show charge differences, no wall
 * Show all charges, no wall

Theme: There is a force of repulsion, also called electricity.

 * Show Two Balloons, Wall, charge differences
 * charge one, put on wall
 * charge second, remove wall
 * approach balloons