Projects For Learning: A 'Shocking' Experience

Materials Needed:

• One film canister
• One large paper clip
• Two pieces of aluminum foil, approximately 3" x 5" and 2" x 2"
• Water
• A television, turned on

Procedure:

• Straighten the large paper clip so that it is almost straight.

• Poke one end into the lid of the film canister.

• Remove the lid.

• Wrap the bottom of the canister with aluminum foil. Use the 3" x 5" piece. Fold any extra under the bottom of the canister.

• Fill the canister half full of water and replace the lid.

• Form the 2" x 2" piece of aluminum foil into a loose ball and place it on top of the paper clip sticking out of the canister.

To Use It:

Rub the ball of foil across a turned-on television. The negative charges from the TV screen will be stored in the Lyden's jar. When you want to shock someone, touch them gently with the foil ball and the negative charges will leave the jar and shock your victim.