Seasonal projects make educational concepts relevant and get students excited to learn. One fantastic activity to do this season is the Spooky Ghost Experiment which uses static electricity to make a ghost “fly” in mid-air. This simple experiment can be done with household materials and is an engaging way to spark curiosity about the world of science.
This spooky ghost experiment emphasizes the power of hands-on learning. Kids are naturally curious, and by giving them opportunities to experiment, observe, and ask questions, learning becomes more engaging and, therefore, memorable. Hands-on activities make abstract scientific concepts, like static electricity, come to life in a way that children can easily understand and enjoy. Once they see how cool science can be, they'll be eager to learn more.
Step 1: Create your Ghost
Start by cutting the tissue into the shape of a ghost. You can make it as spooky as you like by drawing a face on the ghost with a marker.
Step 2: Inflate the Balloon
Blow up the balloon and tie the end to keep the air inside.
Step 3: Create Static
Rub the balloon on your hair or a sweater to generate static electricity. This builds up negatively charged electrons on the surface of the balloon.
Step 4: Make the Ghost Fly
Hold the balloon close to the tissue paper ghost. Watch as the ghost begins to fly in the air, moving toward the balloon and away from it as you change the balloon’s position!
This simple experiment uses static electricity, which occurs when objects have a buildup of electric charge. Rubbing the balloon creates a static charge, and when you bring it close to the ghost, the positive charge in the tissue is attracted to the negative charge on the balloon. The result? A ghost flying in the air! Not only is this a fun and easy activity for kids to do, but it also introduces them to key scientific concepts like static electricity in an entertaining, hands-on way.
If your young scientists love this spooky science experiment, there's even more excitement awaiting them at school with the Magic of Science assembly program. This assembly takes science out of the textbook and brings it to life with jaw-dropping demonstrations that show just how magical science can be. This interactive, high-energy show makes science just as thrilling as magic—except all the "tricks" are real scientific phenomena!
In the assembly, students get to witness a variety of amazing experiments! These captivating demonstrations help kids understand that science is everywhere—whether it's in the classroom, at home, or even during their Halloween fun. And just like the spooky ghost experiment, the assembly is designed to spark curiosity and make science accessible for all students. To book the Magic of Science assembly for your school, click below to find availability and see how you can bring the magic of learning to life.