Build an electromagnet using a D cell, a large steel nail, and about 50 cm (20") of insulated wire.
Strip the insulation off two ends of the wire and carefully wrap the wire around the nail to form tight coils.
Don't overlap the coils and make sure that you leave at least 6 cm (2.
4") of wire free at each end.
Connect the two ends of the wire to the two ends of the D cell and bring the tip of the nail very near some metal paper clips.
The magnet will only attract if the circuit is complete.
Examine your family's electric bill.
What is a kilowatt?
How much does the electric company charge for one kilowatt hour?
Is that a constant rate?
Make a list of the appliances that you think use the most electricity.
Contact the electric company to see if you are correct.
Does your family use the same amount of electricity each month?
Why or why not?
Static electricity can do more than make your socks stick together.
You can use it to light a fluorescent tube.
Get a small fluorescent bulb and a balloon.
In a darkened room, rub the balloon on your hair a few times.
Bring the charged balloon near one end of the bulb and you should see some light flashes.