Electricity. It's something that is so vital, so essential to our lives that we rarely give it a second thought. It works because it just...does. You might find it difficult to explain to your stunts about the electrical process and how exactly electrons create power. If so, try some of these electricity experiments for kids below. They are sure to make things electrifying for your students!
1. Waterbending Static Electricity Experiment
This experiment is relatively simple and requires only a few household items to set up. You can use this fun science experiment to teach your kids about static electricity and electric charge.
Learn more: Frugal Fun 4 Boys
2. Make a Magic Wand
The most magical part of this battery science project is that you can use it to make science fun. Your kids will love using a coin battery to make a wizard wand. Take care, though, as this isn’t an experiment for kids that are very young.
Learn more: Babble Dabble Do
3. Index Card Flashlight
Use this simple circuit activity to teach your kids about building circuits and batteries. You can even try developing it for your more advanced students by discussing things like electrical charges.
Find out more: Mystery Science
4. Potato Clock
This awesome electricity science experiment would make a fun science fair project, too. It's a good tool for learning about batteries and the functions of electrical power in a way that is creative and engaging.
See it here: Kidz World
5. Bubble Balloons
Using this static electricity activity, your kids will move balloons with a balloon. A fun science project that requires very little set-up, so it's perfect for the classroom and at home!
Learn more: Create Play Travel
6. Soda Can Electroscope
You'll only need a few household materials for this fun science idea. It will keep your kids engaged and interesting by helping them learn all about the positive charge and negative charge.
Learn more: Fizzics Education
7. Create a Motor
This activity is an excellent way to combine engineering and science. Your students will make a simple motor in this experiment. It’s also a fantastic tool for learning about how magnets work.
Learn more: Fizzics Education
8. Build a Power Pack
Explore the power of electricity and batteries with this hands-on activity students will be sure to enjoy. You can use this experiment to power some of the other experiments on this list.
Find out more: Energizer
9. Bottle Radio
This wonderful activity involves creating a crystal radio with just a glass bottle and a few other items. You can even use it once it’s completed, so it's great for learning basic concepts on the topic of electricity!
Check it out: Make Zine
10. Making a Dimmer Switch
Using a light circuit, your kids will create their own dimmer switch. Perfect for teaching about light bulbs, sources of power, and electrical currents in a hands-on way. Definitely not one of the activities for babies, though!
Watch it here: Science Buddies
11. Separate Salt & Pepper
Another static electricity project requires no more than some household materials. Younger grade level students will think it’s magic, but you can teach them about types of electricity instead
Find out more: Frugal Fun 4 Boys
12. Butterfly Experiment
This balloon science experiment is great for combining art with science fun for preschool-aged children to elementary-age children. They'll simply love seeing the butterfly's wings move, and you can use it to teach the basics of electricity.
See it here: I Heart Crafty Things
13. Homopolar Motor
This simple motor experiment is simple to create and an excellent resource to learn about electric power using copper wire. You can also expand it to make a cool optical illusion.
Check it out: Frugal Fun 4 Boys
14. Build an Electromagnetic Train
This fun activity is not as difficult as it sounds! Electrical energy and neodymium magnets power this train, which you can use to learn about electrical currents and electrical charge.
Learn more: Frugal Fun 4 Boys
15. Electric Cornstarch
A slightly different take on the usual static electricity experiment, this hands-on science experiment involves learning about positive and negative charges. You can also help students to learn about key concepts of electricity.
Check it out: Steve Spangler Science
16. Water & Electricity
Have your students ever wondered why you shouldn’t touch a switch with wet hands? Use this experiment to teach them why with the conductor attributes of regular water molecules, from atom to atom.
Read more: Rookie Parenting
17. Steady Hand Game
Playing an educational and fun game is always a fantastic way to learn and this is certainly no different. Your students will learn about the concept of electricity and current electricity flow. It’s also useful for getting your kids involved in STEAM!
See it here: Left Brain Craft Brain
18. Tiny Dancers Homopolar Motor
This activity is an expanded version of classic electricity experiments like number 13. Your students will simply adore seeing the dancers move by neodymium magnet in this cool battery experiment!
Check it out: Babble Dabble Do
19. Simple Lemon Battery
This edible science experiment is an innovative take on teaching complete circuits. Try using different fruits and vegetables and compare their output. Make sure you assist in following directions with children that are younger.
Learn more: Fizzics Education
20. Rising Ghosts Experiment
This is an excellent treat for Halloween! This can be used to learn about static charges and electrons with simple materials. You can make it an even more in-depth lesson by looking at concepts like the conduction of electricity.
Read more: Fizzics Education
21. Play Dough Circuits
Get some playdough and let your students craft it into whatever shape they please, then help to show them how it works to conduct electricity. They'll simply love creating this ingenious closed circuit!
See it here: Science Sparks
22. Copper Plate Coins
All you need for one of these exciting electricity experiments is a few household materials and a battery. Your students will be fascinated with the process of electrolysis and using a coin cell battery.
Check it out: Kiwi Co
23. Dirt Battery Experiment
Yes, you got that right - a battery-powered by dirt! This won't fulfill all of your students' electricity needs, but it sure is a fascinating way to teach them about how dirt can function as a conductor.
Learn more: Teach Beside Me
24. Rainbow Salt Circuit
You should be able to find everything at home already for this experiment. Your students will simply love seeing the array of colors of salt, using food coloring, and making a beautiful circuit.
Read more: Steam Powered Family
25. Homemade Wigglebot
Take a trip to the future by helping your kids create their very first "robot". It won't be able to complete any urgent tasks for you, but it will teach them about power and how electricity can be conducted through batteries.
Check it out: Research Parent
Each of these experiments provides an excellent way to get your students excited about and interested in electricity. They will be sure to enjoy using them to learn whilst having a wealth of fun, too.
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