Create magic using static electricity. All you need is a balloon, a matchstick, two nickels, and a plastic up. Charge up the balloon and watch the matchstick spin on a nickel with this static electricity trick.

Introduction

Before you present this amazing static magic trick to the kids, introduce them to the idea of static electricity. Most kids will have some knowledge of static. Most kids know when you rub a balloon on your hair it makes your hair stick to the balloon, but do they know why? Dive a little deeper into the subject with BillNye.com and this introductory video on static electricity.

How to Setup A Magic Match stick

The set up for this activity is the most challenging part.  First place one nickel flat on a table, then balance the next nickel on top of the first nickel so it will stand straight up centered on Jefferson’s face.  Carefully balance the matchstick on top of the standing nickel. Place the plastic cup over the nickel-matchstick tower without touching it.  (I used a plastic wine glass but you can use any plastic cup)

How to Make a Match Spin with Static

Charge the balloon by rubbing it on your clothes or hair. Hold it close to the cup and move it around the outside.  You see that the match magically spins as you move the balloon around the cup! 

How Does this Static Electricity Trick Work?

When you rub a balloon on your hair or clothing it gives the balloon extra electrons creating a negative static charge. When an object has a negative charge, it repels electrons from other objects while attracting its protons. In this case the matchstick is so lightweight that the balloon’s negative charge was strong enough to move the match as if it were magic!

More Static Activities

If you enjoy this static electricity activity you may also like static can races. Use the power of static electricity to more a can from point A to points B.