Sample Presentations

You will get a charge out of this – “Fun things you can do with 20,000 volts”

Static electricity: in this workshop participants will make (small) lightning bolts, measure radiation, and make music – mostly with simple household items. Participants will build and use several basic research tools, including static generators, storage devices, and meters.

• Use plastic and paper to generate high voltage
• Make a bell (similar to one used by Ben Franklin to warn of approaching lightning storms)
• Monitor radiation levels using an empty soda can and aluminum foil

Let’s move some electrons – “High tech in the 19^th century” -

In this workshop, we will make and use the inventions that made the telegraph (and the rest of the modern world) possible. Each participant will build – and take home - an electrical measuring instrument useful in science & invention fairs. Participants will also examine and use

• A 19^th century telegraph station – the internet of 150 years ago - to see how inventors worked
• Make and use an early electrical measuring instrument (galvanometer) and compare it to laboratory quality instruments
• Create and test the earliest battery
• Explore magnetism, build an electromagnet, and see an 1830 replica electromagnet