Static electricity
I can describe how objects with a positive or negative charge attract or repel other charged objects.
Static electricity
I can describe how objects with a positive or negative charge attract or repel other charged objects.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Some objects can be charged by rubbing with certain materials.
- Objects with a static electric charge can exert a force on other objects (that contain electric charge).
- The electrostatic force acts at a distance.
- Objects with opposite electric charges attract each other.
- Objects with the same electric charge as each other repel each other.
Keywords
Static electricity - is caused by the build-up of charge on insulators.
Positive charge - is attracted to a negative charge.
Negative charge - is attracted to a positive charge.
Electrostatic force - is a force acting between charges.
Common misconception
Pupils often think ‘negative’ refers to a neutral material, that there is only one type of charge and that friction creates charge.
The understanding of the particle model of matter needs to be secure before introducing atomic structure. Using dynamic models to help pupils visualise what is happening to the negative charge helps them progress in their thinking.
To help you plan your year 8 science lesson on: Static electricity, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 8 science lesson on: Static electricity, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 science lessons from the Series circuits unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
