Bring science to life this Halloween with a fun static electricity ghost experiment for kids! Using a balloon and tissue paper, children can make a ghost float while learning about static electricity—perfect for classrooms, homeschool, or Halloween parties. Watch the video and grab the template!
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Science meets Halloween fun in this Static Electricity Ghost Experiment! With just a balloon, some tissue paper, and a little creative drawing, kids can make their very own ghost that magically lifts and moves without being touched. This activity is a great way to spark curiosity about static electricity while keeping the Halloween theme spooky and fun. Plus, it’s super simple to set up, and the free ghost template makes it even easier for kids to follow along.
What makes this static electricity ghost experiment so fun is that static electricity can’t be seen—kids can’t watch the electrons move, but they can see the amazing effects it creates. The “invisible power” makes the ghost float, wiggle, and dance, almost like magic! This mystery keeps kids curious and excited, turning science into a hands-on adventure they’ll want to repeat again and again.
🔬 The Science Behind the Floating Ghost
So how does the ghost float without anyone touching it? It’s all thanks to static electricity! When you rub the balloon on your hair (or a wool shirt), tiny invisible particles called electrons move from your hair onto the balloon. This gives the balloon a negative charge.
Your tissue paper ghost is very light, so when the negatively charged balloon comes close, it attracts the ghost—kind of like a magnet! That’s why the ghost rises and moves without anyone touching it.
👉 Try this extension: See if the balloon will pick up other light objects like small tissue scraps, salt, or cereal pieces. Kids will love testing what the “static powers” can lift!
Add to Your Ghost Themed Fun:
Try the Melting Ghost Shaving Cream Halloween Activity for some messy sensory fun, make an adorable keepsake with our Footprint Ghost Craft with Template, or light up the night with a Glowing Ghost Craft with FREE Template. Each activity adds its own unique twist to ghostly fun, making them perfect companions for your Halloween theme.
See all our Halloween Activities Here
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Perfect Ghost Themed Children’s Books
Looking for the perfect ghost-themed books to add to your Halloween fun? These sweet and spooky stories are sure to become family favorites:
- The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt – A gentle and heartwarming story about a ghost who feels different but learns to embrace what makes him special. A cozy read for fall nights!
- There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Ghost! – Full of silly rhymes and laughter, this book is a playful Halloween twist on the classic “Old Lady” series that kids can’t get enough of.
- The Little Ghost Who Lost Her Boo! – A fun and interactive read-aloud where kids can help the little ghost search for her missing “boo!”—guaranteed giggles at storytime.
Click the photos below to grab your copy and enjoy a spooky-fun storytime!
Halloween Flying Ghost Experiment
🛠 Supplies:
- White tissue paper (for the ghost)
- Black marker (to draw the face)
- Tape
- Scissors
- Paper (to hold the ghost in place)
- Balloon
- Free ghost template (included in this post!)
✂️ Directions:
👉 Tip: Watch the video tutorial in this post to see the ghost in action and get a better idea of how to make the static electricity work. Then find the printable directions at the end of this post or pin and save to remember for later.
Step 1: Make a ghost – Print and cut out the free ghost template, or draw your own ghost shape on white tissue paper. Add a face – Use the black marker to give your ghost spooky, silly, or funny features.
Step 2: Attach the ghost – Tape the bottom of the tissue paper ghost onto a sheet of paper so it stays in place but can still move.
Step 3: Balloon Time – Blow up the balloon and tie it. Make static electricity – Rub the balloon on your hair (or a wool shirt) for a few seconds to build up static.
Step 4: Ghost Science Time – Hold the balloon close to the tissue paper ghost. Watch as your ghost magically rises up and moves without being touched!
Experiment more – Try holding the balloon at different distances or angles to see how the ghost reacts.
Perfect Ideas to Keep the Fun Going!
- The BEST Fall Science Experiments for Kids
- The BEST Halloween Science Experiments for Kids
- Learning about Pumpkins Color and Label Worksheet
Grab the Template:
Print the Directions:
Flying Ghost Halloween Activity: Easy Static Electricity Science for Kids
Equipment
- White tissue paper (for the ghost)
- Black marker (to draw the face)
- Tape
- Scissors
- Paper (to hold the ghost in place)
- Balloon
- Free ghost template (included in this post!)
Instructions
- 👉 Tip: Watch the video tutorial in this post to see the ghost in action and get a better idea of how to make the static electricity work. Then find the printable directions at the end of this post or pin and save to remember for later.Step 1: Make a ghost – Print and cut out the free ghost template, or draw your own ghost shape on white tissue paper. Add a face – Use the black marker to give your ghost spooky, silly, or funny features.Step 2: Attach the ghost – Tape the bottom of the tissue paper ghost onto a sheet of paper so it stays in place but can still move.Step 3: Balloon Time – Blow up the balloon and tie it. Make static electricity – Rub the balloon on your hair (or a wool shirt) for a few seconds to build up static.Step 4: Ghost Science Time – Hold the balloon close to the tissue paper ghost. Watch as your ghost magically rises up and moves without being touched!Experiment more – Try holding the balloon at different distances or angles to see how the ghost reacts.