Download Static Activity May 2026

When the plastic ruler is rubbed against the wool, electrons are transferred from the wool to the plastic, causing the ruler to become negatively charged (static charge). When this negatively charged object is brought near the electrically neutral paper, it repels the electrons on the surface of the paper, creating a positive charge on the side closest to the ruler. This phenomenon is known as . The electrostatic attraction between the negative ruler and the positive side of the paper creates a force sufficient to make the paper spin. 5. Extension Activities and Variations

Push the unsharpened end of the pencil into the Blu-tack, standing it upright on a flat, stable surface. Download Static Activity

Balance the center point of the paper on the tip of the pencil. When the plastic ruler is rubbed against the

Bring the charged ruler near one edge of the paper (but do not touch it). The paper will begin to spin towards the ruler. 4. Scientific Explanation (Why it works) The electrostatic attraction between the negative ruler and

This paper outlines a foundational STEM activity exploring static electricity through a "Spinning Static Paper" experiment. This hands-on activity demonstrates electron transfer (friction) causing charge separation in insulators.

Scientific Investigation: Static Electricity Spinning Paper Experiment 1. Introduction and Objective