You will need:  

• Tissue paper
• A balloon

Method:

 

1. Cut out the tissue paper into small pieces and place them on a level surface.  You can even cut them into character or even draw something on them, if you would like.
2. Inflate your balloon and tie it shut.
3. Gently rub the inflated balloon on your head.  Do not do this for too long, just a few seconds will be enough.
4. Then place the balloon on top of the tissue paper you made earlier and watch them levitate towards the balloon.  Make sure same the part of the balloon that you rubbed on your head is hovering above the tissue paper.

The Science Bit:

Here is where we learn the science behind how the static balloon experiment works.  By rubbing the balloon on your head, you are actually making what is known as a static energy charge.  A static charge is very similar to an electric charge.  An electric charge means that there is an increase of electrons within the material of the balloon itself.  While the material of the tissue paper also holds a lot of electrons.  So in this science experiment, by giving the balloon a static energy charge by rubbing it on your head it is going to attract the tissue paper.  Just like a magnet would attract something magnetic. It is a really easy and fun science experiment.  The static energy balloon experiment is so easy and fun that you can easily do it all by yourself at home.  Creating a static energy balloon is essentially creating your very own tissue paper magnet.  Try it out and as a fun challenge, see how many pieces of tissue paper you can pick up with one static energy balloon. Thank you for reading Fun Scientists, enjoy the experiment.