On January 9 of every year, we take the time to celebrate National Static Electricity Day. One of the most educational, and fun, holidays is National Static Electricity Day. We celebrate the holiday to get an understanding of the nature of one of the most powerful, and annoying, forces in the world. All of us feel the effects of static electricity. You might have felt it sometime when you touch some metal with your hand. You get a tiny electrical shock which is a reminder of how dangerous static electricity can be.
On National Static Electricity Day, we try to understand the nature of the holiday.
What Is Static Electricity?
The definition of Static Electricity describes a situation when an object builds up electric charge on its surface. The charge is done when negative particles called electrons are transferred from one object or surface to another. This results in the positive surface and negative surface.
Static electricity typically stays in the same spot. However when it escapes, it releases energy in the form of shocks. National Static Electricity Day helps us understand how this works in more detail.
National Static Electricity Day is celebrated because it helps turn shocks into learning opportunities. Everyone gets shocked at some point in winter, yet no one knows why. National Static Electricity Day helps teach about
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
- Scientific curiosity
- Safety around electricity
Learning becomes more fun instantaneously when National Static Electricity Day is celebrated by parents, teachers, schools, and lovers of science.
National Static Electricity Day has no known origin. However, it is likely STEM educators wanted an electrifying way teach others about the science of electricity. Innovative educators began to spark interest in the study of electricity. National Static Electricity Day became popular to celebrate the growing interest in the study of energy and electricity.
What Makes Static Electricity Work?
Before learning about static electricity, you have to learn about the negative charged particles called electrons. When two items rub together, one can jump to another item.
Some examples of this include:
- rubbing your hair with a balloon,
- walking on a carpet with socks,
- or putting clothes in a dryer.
When those electrons jump, static electricity is created. Some examples of this are explained on the National Static Electricity Day website.
When Do We See Static Electricity?
Static electricity is among us, and we experience it in our daily lives. Some examples are:
- your hair sticks up from taking a hat off,
- your clothes stick together,
- you get shocked by things made of metal,
- balloons stick to things, and
- there are thunderstorms.
Lightning is actually one of the largest forms of static electricity, so having a day called National Static Electricity Day makes sense since there is lightning.
Why Does it Feel Like More Static Electricity in January?
Static electricity is more noticeable in January and the very cold months. This is because of the weather. In the winter, it gets very dry. When it is dry, the moisture and the air particles don’t allow charged particles to move. This makes more charged particles to stick together.
On National Static Electricity Day, people learn about winter science. Specifically, it helps people understand what winter shocks are.
National Static Electricity Day Fun Science
National Static Electricity Day is great for basic science. All of the activities can be done at home which makes then great for families.
1. Hair and Balloon Science
Take a balloon and rub it on your hair. Then, take some paper and put it near the balloon. It will make the paper jump.
2. Balloon on a Wall Fun Science
Take a balloon and rub it on your shirt, then hold it up to a wall. It will stick there because of static electricity.
3. Balloon and Paper Science
Get a balloon and charge it up. Then hold it above some paper. The paper will jump up.
Uses of Static Electricity
Static electricity is not just fun. It is still used today. It is used in many industries like air filters, printers, and even in medical stuff.
It is a simple science that is used in a lot of important things.
Scary Side of Static Electricity
Static is usually harmless, but it can be scary some times.
Consider these examples:
- Chemical manufacturing
- Dust-filled environments
- Electronics manufacturing
- Fuel stations
A fire or equipment damage may result from only one spark. *National Static Electricity Day* promotes safety and awareness of such hazards.
Safety Tips
National Static Electricity Day focuses on safety for the other and risk. They may benefit from the following actions:
- Apply lotion to dry skin.
- Ground yourself when using electronics.
- Moisturize dry skin.
- Touch metal using keys first.
- Wear shoes with leather soles.
Reducing shocks and safeguarding electronics are the objectives of these actions.
Teaching Kids About Static Electricity
National Static Electricity Day is a great event for the school. Teachers can explain scientific ideas using real examples. Lessons that are enjoyable and interactive help children to learn more quickly.
Examples of activities are:
- Group discussions.
- Simple experiments.
- Short videos.
- Science worksheets.
This event makes learning an experience.
Static Electricity vs Current Electricity
It is common for people to be unable to differentiate between current electricity and static electricity. National Static Electricity Day assists in strengthening people’s knowledge on this topic.
- Static electricity – Remains in one spot and can be released
- Current electricity – Can flow repeatedly through wires
Although both types of electricity exist, they act in very unique manners, Which distinguishes a good foundation for science knowledge.—
Awesome Things About Static Electricity
You can tell these facts on National Static Electricity Day:
- Lightning is hotter than sun’s surface.
- Static electricity revealed existence of electrons.
- The Ancient Greeks discovered static electricity with amber.
- Static electricity moves at the speed of light.
Things to Do On National Static Electricity Day
There are lots of things you can do to make National Static Electricity Day interesting:
- try some science experiments.
- Learn about it online and watch some videos.
- Read some science blogs.
- Tell some children about static electricity.
- Post about it on social media.
The Importance of National Static Electricity Day and STEM
Nationale Static Electricity Day promotes STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics ) Fields.
Curiosity is important for Children and being able to solve problems scientifically is even more important and National Static Electricity Day inspires that.
By celebrating National Static Electricity Day, we spark the interest of children in the science field and innovation.
Conclusion
Nationale Static Electricity day teaches us that science is all around us, each time we get shocked, it reminds us that static electricity is fun and that it can even be educational.
This day makes me think of learning, safety, and curiosity. Next time you feel a zap, think of National Static Electricity Day and smile. Science just said hi. Read More: Typing Day, Law Enforcement Appreciation Day And International Choreographers Day
