How to Build a Lightning Science Project

Balloon Method

• 1

  Blow up the balloon all the way, big enough so that it is about the size of a basketball and the latex is stretched out and not soft or sagging in any places.

• 2

  Set the piece of metal on a table or other surface nearby. You can use something like a metal door, cabinet or even a sheet of metal as long as it is at least slightly larger than the balloon in width.

• 3

  Wipe the balloon all over in a back-and-forth stroking motion with the wool sock for about a minute. Try to cover most of the surface of the balloon, wiping gently but quickly.

• 4

  Shut off the lights and slowly bring your balloon closer to the metal. You should start to see sparks, or little bits of lightning, caused by the static electricity.

Aluminum Pan Method

• 5

  Flip over your disposable pan and press the thumbtack into the middle of its bottom, then flip pan back over. Ensure that the pan is clean and has never been used.

• 6

  Stab the end of the pen away from its point onto the point of the tack that you stuck through the bottom of the pan. You should have what looks like a sundial made out of the pen and pan, with the pen sticking straight up.

• 7

  Wipe the block of plastic foam with a wool sock for about a minute, making sure to wipe all over the surface in quick motions.

• 8

  Grab the pen and slowly lift it, along with the pie plate attached to it, and place it atop your foam block. Make sure you do not touch the pan to anything else in the process of moving it onto the block.

• 9

  Shut off the lights, gently tap the edge of the aluminum pan and enjoy the sparks of electricity shooting between your finger and the pan.