Static Balloon Bends Water
The water stream bends toward the balloon.
Teaching & key ideas
What you do: Rub balloon on fleece and bring it near—not touching—the water stream.
What students see: The water stream bends toward the balloon.
Why it works: The charged balloon polarizes water molecules, creating attraction.
Question to ask: How can the balloon pull water without touching it?
Lesson flow
Predict → demonstrate → observe → briefly explain → ask: How can the balloon pull water without touching it?