MEEC Online » Antelope Valley

Van de Graaff Generator

Christie — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 20:51:44 +0000

A Van de Graaff generator is a device designed to create static electricity and make it available for experimentation. There are two kinds of generators; one that uses a high-voltage power supply for charging and one that uses belts and rollers for charging. The Van de Graaff generators available through MEEC are made up of:

A motor; two rollers; a belt; two brush assemblies; and an output terminal (usually a metal or aluminum sphere).

When the motor is turned on, the lower roller (charger) begins turning the belt. Since the belt is made of rubber and the lower roller is covered in silicon tape, the lower roller begins to build a negative charge and the belt builds a positive charge. You can understand why this charge imbalance occurs by looking at the triboelectric series: Silicon is more negative than rubber; therefore, the lower roller is capturing electrons from the belt as it passes over the roller.

There is a generator at both the AV Library and the Victorville Library.

Going Places, Making Choices: Transportation and the Environment

guest1 — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 21:25:12 +0000

Curriculum designed for grades 9-12

Seven copies at Antelope Valley and eight copies at Victorville branch.

A Clean Sky: A Global Warming Story

guest1 — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 20:46:47 +0000

Story about global warming and some of the things we can do to help stop it.

Grades K-6

Two copies at Antelope Valley and two copies at Victorville branch.

Green Matters: Global Warming

guest1 — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 20:45:36 +0000

Governments, industries, and people worldwide are finding new ways to reduce their energy dependency by looking into sustainable energy alternatives.

23 mins.

One copy at Antelope Valley and one copy at Victorville branch.

Who Let the Smog Out?

guest1 — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 20:42:41 +0000

A production featuring song and costumed volunteers learning about air quality and air pollution.

Grades 3-5

One copy at Antelope Valley and one copy at Victorville branch.

The Mini Rough Guide to Energy and Our Planet

guest1 — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 20:41:39 +0000

This guide explains today’s important energy issues, looks at the future of different forms of energy, and shows us how to keep the world safe while keeping the planet safe.

3 copies at Antelope Valley and 3 copies at Victorville branch.

Aeronautics

guest1 — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 20:19:05 +0000

Grades 2-4.

One copy available at Antelope Valley and one copy available at Victorville branch.

NASA: Johnny’s Airport Adventure

guest1 — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 20:17:46 +0000

Storyboard and role-play activities.

Grades K-4

NASA: Exploring the Extreme

guest1 — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 20:16:37 +0000

Grade k-8

One copy available at Antelope Valley and one copy available at Victorville branch.

NASA Guide to Engines

guest1 — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 20:15:49 +0000

Grade 6-12

One copy available at Antelope Valley and one copy available at Victorville branch.