KS3 - Electrostatics & Van Der Graff

Electrostatics:

**This introduces the topic, there is room for a practical demo with a Van DerGraff generator makes up the last 15 minutes of a 60 minute lesson**

Skills Developed:
Physical to abstract reasoning,
Observation

Links to prior topics :
PD/Current, series, parallel, circuits


Learning Objectives :
To explain the concept of charge transfer
To explain why we get shocks from things
To predict how a charged object will interact

Assessment Criteria for Objectives:
Statements to demonstrate LOs
Observations

Resources / Materials Required:
Van Der Graff generator, accessories, balloon,


Lab Safety Considerations [CLEAPSS / Hazcards / COSHH]:
High voltage (low current) shock risk

Practical Work/Demonstration:
Van Der Graff generator – generate static charge and discharge/use to demonstrate

Literacy /Numeracy/ICT incl. School-wide objectives:
Numeracy links with voltage calculations,
Literacy in expression and formulation of hypothesis.

Other Broader/Cross-curricular links:
Household electronics, DT links, Scientific inquiry.