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Cub Scout Adventures > 
Bear >
 Super Science > 
Race the Can
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Bear – 3rd Grade
Super Science
Elective
Requirement 1

Race the Can

Bear – 3rd Grade
Super Science
Elective
Requirement 1

Race the Can

Snapshot of Activity

Cub Scouts use static electricity to push a can.

Indoor
4
2
2
If you want to know more about The Adventure Activity Key click here.
  • Empty soda can for Cub Scout
  • Balloon for each Cub Scout

Before the meeting:

  1. Gather materials.
  2. Set up meeting space with room to conduct experiment.

During the meeting:

  1. Explain to Cub Scouts that they will be conducting an experiment on static electricity. Everything around us is made up of very small things called atoms. Those atoms are made up of even smaller things, including protons and electrons. Protons have a positive charge, and electrons have a negative charge. Each atom usually has the same number of protons and electrons, but if two atoms bump into each other, electrons from one atom can get rubbed off onto the other atom.
  2. Hand out an empty soda can and balloon to each Cub Scout.
  3. Conduct the experiment:
    • Have Cub Scouts place their cans on its side on a flat space, either a table or the floor (non-carpeted.)
    • Fill the balloon with air and tie the end.
    • Rub the balloon up against the side of your head, against your hair in a fast motion. Note: make sure your hair is clean and free from any hair products.
    • Bring the balloon close to the can but don’t let them touch.
    • The can will begin to roll towards the balloon on its own.
  4. Lead a discussion with Cub Scouts:
    • Did you think that the balloon could push the soda can?
    • Why do you think that happened?
  5. Once the Cub Scouts become comfortable with the experiment, have a race to see whose can makes the finish line.

Other Activities Options

You can choose other activities of your choice.

Bear – 3rd Grade

Dancing Foil

Indoor
2
2
1

Foil reaction to static electricity.

See Details

Bray Barnes

Director, Global Security Innovative
Strategies

Bray Barnes is a recipient of the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, Silver
Beaver, Silver Antelope, Silver Buffalo, and Learning for Life Distinguished
Service Award. He received the Messengers of Peace Hero award from
the royal family of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and he’s a life member of
the 101st Airborne Association and Vietnam Veterans Association. Barnes
serves as a senior fellow for the Global Federation of Competitiveness
Councils, a nonpartisan network of corporate CEOs, university presidents, and
national laboratory directors. He has also served as a senior executive for the
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, leading the first-responder program
and has two U.S. presidential appointments

David Alexander

Managing Member Calje

David Alexander is a Baden-Powell Fellow, Summit Bechtel Reserve philanthropist, and recipient of the Silver Buffalo and Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. He is the founder of Caljet, one of the largest independent motor fuels terminals in the U.S. He has served the Arizona Petroleum Marketers Association, Teen Lifeline, and American Heart Association. A triathlete who has completed hundreds of races, Alexander has also mentored the women’s triathlon team at Arizona State University.

Glenn Adams

President, CEO & Managing Director
Stonetex Oil Corp.

Glenn Adams is a recipient of the Silver Beaver, Silver Antelope, Silver Buffalo, and Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. He is the former president of the National Eagle Scout Association and established the Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award. He has more than 40 years of experience in the oil, gas, and energy fields, including serving as a president, owner, and CEO. Adams has also received multiple service awards from the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers.