Make a Paper Banger

All you need for this experiment is a sheet of stiff paper measuring about 16in. by 12in. (Printer Paper) Step 1: Fold the longest edges of the paper together. Then open it out. Step 2: Fold the corners into the first fold. Step 3: Fold the paper in half along the first fold. Then fold in half again lengthways. Step 4: Open out the second fold. Step 5: Fold down the two sharp corners. Step 6: Fold the paper back along the second fold to make a triangle shape. Step 7: Grip the banger firmly by the two sharp corners. Flick it down quickly- and it makes a loud bang.


How a paper banger works
The air is pressed inside during moving the paper banger downwards and the air suddenly is free when the inner layer is coming out. It is a small explosion. It is very similar to the way thunder sound is created.

Lesson Plan

Extended Resources

1. For more information on sound (Kayla and LaToya's project)

2. Science of Sound(Wired@School)

3. More fun with sound(University of Rhode Island)

Bend Some Water

Materials needed: A balloon, Balloon pump (optional), Something woolen, and a running faucet. Step 1: Pump up the balloon. Stretch the neck and tie a knot in it, so the air does not escape. Step 2: Rub the balloon against something woolen to give static electricity to the balloon. Step 3: Hold the balloon near running water from a faucet. The water bends toward the balloon.


The results were subtle at best. I tried this with many different types of balloons and sinks. It is a good example of static electricity.

The science behind Bend some water
When you rubbed the balloon against the woolen sweater, tiny parts of the atoms in the wool, called ELECTRONS, collected on the balloon. These electrons have a NEGATIVE charge. Remember that, its important. Now that the balloon has a negative charge, it is attracted to things that have a POSITIVE charge. It is similar to the way some magnets are attracted to certain metals.When you bring the negatively charged balloon near the faucet it is attracted to the POSITIVE force of the water. The attraction is strong enough to actually pull the water towards the balloon as it is flowing! It is all thanks to the wonders of static electricity.
1. Does water temperature affect how much the water bends?
2. Does the size of the balloon affect the static power?
3. Does the amount of moisture in that air affect the static power? Try it after someone has taken a shower in the room.
4. Does the material that the balloon is made of or the material it is rubbed against affect the static power?

Lesson Plan

Extended Resources
1. Static Electricity

2. Carla Shoemaker

3. Enchanted Learning