Static electricity: charge
I can describe what charges are and how they are transferred between some objects, giving them opposite charges.
Static electricity: charge
I can describe what charges are and how they are transferred between some objects, giving them opposite charges.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Atoms contain positive and negative electric charges
- The particles in atoms with a negative electric charge are called electrons
- Electrons can sometimes be rubbed off one object onto another, depending on what the objects are made of
- It is hard to charge something made of metal because electric charge flows through metal, stopping charge building up
- When static electricity builds up, it can be useful but also a problem
Keywords
Atom - Atoms are the particles that make up chemical elements containing equal numbers of positive and negative charges.
Positive charge - A type of electrical charge that is attracted to a negative charge.
Negative charge - A type of electrical charge that is attracted to a negative charge.
Electron - Electrons are the negative charges in conductors that flow to produce an electric current.
Common misconception
Pupils often think that both positive and negative charges can move when objects are charged by rubbing.
Emphasise that only electrons can move, explaining that they are found on the outer part of atoms. Use this to explain how a positive charge is created by the removal of electrons.
To help you plan your year 8 science lesson on: Static electricity: charge, 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: charge, 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.
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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.
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Starter quiz
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Exit quiz
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