Construct a Leyden jar from simple materials. Developed in the middle 1700s the orginal jars were large enough to give a significant shock. These tiny versions are safe but still give a memorable shock. Some students are delighted to shock themselves and others delight in watching them ;) 
 
Related Resources
Static Electricity Experiments
 
Concepts Addressed
• Typically only electrons leave their atoms.
• Electrons are negatively charged; protons are positively charged
• Electrons and protons create the charges behind electrostatic forces.
• Items develop different static charges depending what they are made of.

Materials Needed
paper clip; small, lidded plastic container; foil; glue; pushpin.
 
Time Required
This lab takes about 30 mins.
 
Prep Required
Assembling the Leyden jars (these last from year to year once made).

Student Sheets
• Scaffolded writing prompts & lab reporting 

Answer Keys and Teacher Notes address most questions and issues that might arise in this study—you shouldn’t have to do any outside research unless you want to.

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Connect with me: If you have questions or problems, please let me know and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.

 

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