Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hey!
I saw this project on a different site, but they do not provide details. Is this project, making paper origami frogs jump using static electricity, possible?
Thanks!
Your help is much appreciated!

Please provide a URL (web page) so we know what you are asking about.

https://www.hw-secure.com/terimore/shop ... talogid=82
The above website is where I saw this project idea. Even though it seems to be an elementary school project, my science seminar teacher said it would be very interesting for the science symposium - 7th grade. .

The site referenced wants your money, so they aren't going to give you any details that will help you figure out what they provide and if it is worth it. caveat emptor!

Most paper is "hydroscopic" (will absorb moisture) which makes it conduct (poor insulator). Low moisture content paper isn't a good conductor, but with static electricity, any conduction is a continual loss of charge which is loss of potential energy which is a continual reduction in electrostatic force, which is a problem.

Coated papers can be great insulators and have been used in making capacitors which store electrical charge. Coated papers might not hold a fold or might weigh too much to "hop" without a very large amount of charge.

Look up Van de Graaf generators. If your school has one, you can quickly try an experiment and find out for yourself.

In order to reduce the electrostatic force needed, you might consider suspending the "frogs" on a thin flexible wire from a metal hanger with coating scraped off where the wires meet. Suspend the metal hanger from a plastic hanger. When you charge the metal hanger, like charges repel so the frogs should "dance" if you get the spacing correct.

If you don't have access to a Van de Graaf generator, you could build one, but that is a major project in itself. Without a way to produce a large static charge, you will have to figure out ways to reduce the amount of force required.

Okay! Thanks so much!
I think we have that generator at school. I will request for it. Thanks again!