With the holidays coming up, the kids will be home a lot. Whether you are looking for an idea for an upcoming science project, a way to keep the kids busy or simply want your child to learn the power of electricity, using electric activities for kids is both fun and educational. Your retail electric provider has some interesting experiments for you that are both fun and safe!
Bending Water
This electric activity for kids is great for younger children who are just learning about electricity. Run a plastic comb through their hair about 10 times. Turn on the tap so that the water runs out of it with a slow, steady stream. Place the comb close to the water but do not touch it. The static charge in the comb will pull the water towards the comb, giving the appearance of “bending” water.
Resisting Balloons
In order to show children how two items with the same electrical charge will repel each other, try this electric activity for kids. Blow up two balloons and tie off the ends. Cut two equal lengths of string and tie them to the ends of the balloons. Hang the balloons from a doorway so that they hang next to each other and are touching. Rub each of the balloons, one at a time, against a woolen sweater and let them go. Because the balloons are both negatively charged, they will repel each other. For added experimentation, have the child bring the balloons together to see what happens or have them put their hand in between the balloons.
Fruity Electricity
This electric activity for kids is appropriate for older children and requires parental supervision. You will need a piece of citrus fruit, lemons or limes are the best choice, 1 2-inch long copper screw, 1 2-inch long zinc screw and 1 holiday light with 2-inch leads. Roll the fruit on a table under the palm of your hands to soften it but do not break the skin. Insert both screws into the fruit about 2 inches apart. Be sure the screws do not go through the other side of the fruit. Carefully remove about ½-inch of insulation from the leads on the holiday light, being careful not to cut into the wire. Twist one end of the wire around the copper screw and the other end around the zinc screw and the light should illuminate. This is due to the pH found in the lemon, which acts the same as the acid found in a battery.
Finding fun electric activities for kids is a great way to demonstrate the power of electricity, how electricity is generated and what factors go into creating electricity. Visit your retail electric provider to learn more electric activities for kids.
Payless Power is a family-owned business, a quality that allows us to meet the needs of our customers with unprecedented success. Despite our customer’s credit history or income level, we strive to keep everyone connected with our prepaid electricity plans. Our flexible payment schedules give you more options than traditional electrical companies, who demand payments or shut off your power. To find a plan that is better suited to your lifestyle and budget, call us to set up your account today!
