Van de Graaff Generator

Activity time: 20 – 30 mins.
Level / prior knowledge: Static electricity, movement of electrons.

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Activity time: 20 – 30 mins.
Level / prior knowledge: Static electricity, movement of electrons.
Subject / curriculum links / skills: Physics/Electricity
Preparation time: 10 mins
Extra resources: balloons, small pieces of paper.
Commentary:
Very good introduction into what a Van de Graaff Generator is, and how it can be used in schools. The presenter was bright and bubbly, and one who had very good subject knowledge, which he demonstrated he had with good facts and figures.
For a non Physics specialist teacher it would be a excellent resource to use in the classroom, either partly or as a whole via a projector.
The tips on getting it started, from storage, are very useful for teachers and technicians alike, as is his favourite demonstration using the metal cake cups. I have never actually seen this done, but would certainly be using it with my pupils in the classroom, along with the movement of electrons explanation. Finally, use of close-ups and length of time of the video are perfect, for either simply watching or for completing a worksheet from questions gathered from the video.

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