Sunday, May 16, 2010

Greased Lightning - new PhET lab

I posted a new activity to PhET's website. It's based on their simulation, John Travoltage. The simulation explores triboelectric charging and spark discharging. The student controls one arm and one leg of an image of John Travolta. Rub his foot on the carpet and move his hand toward the doorknob, and a spark will jump. And John will express a vocal reaction.

Given the nature of the simulation, the title could only be Greased Lightning. The student worksheet and answer key are available for download.

Run it with students if you can work it in. If you like it, nominate it for a Gold Star!

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