Gujarat teacher’s static electricity experiment goes viral

One teacher’s classroom lesson involving static electricity has gone viral on the internet, bringing delight to millions as it revives debate on using fun in science education, a philosophy long advocated by this publication.

The inspiring incident occurred in Sandipani English School in Halvad, a town in the state of Gujarat, where teacher Mayur Vaishnav was carrying out a simple physics demonstration of static electricity. But the lesson in physics would quickly become a lesson in inspiration, which spread like a wave far beyond the classroom.

Vaishnav explained the presence of static charges by rubbing a cloth on the heads of his students. When the cloth was removed, the student hairs rose into the air as if they were flying. This impressed the students to the point that they all laughed as the class erupted into applause just seconds after.

A video of the experiment, which was eventually uploaded on Instagram, showed the extent of the joy the students felt when this experiment took place. In the video, it is seen that two of the students are involved in this experiment as the rest of the students show their excitement as their hair stands up. The video eventually went viral with over 26 million views.

Fans flooded the comments section with accolades for the teacher’s novel teaching methodology. Some commented that they would have wanted such teachers during their school days, while others shared memories of experiments that inspired interest in science.

"This is how science should be taught—simple, visual, and fun," wrote one user. Another added, "This video reminds us that learning doesn’t have to be boring."

Experts say that experiences such as this re-emphasize the need for learning through activities, particularly in subjects such as physics, which are normally associated with difficulties. Using real-life examples, as witnessed in the physics demonstrations, leads to optimal learning outcomes, besides kindling curiosity. In an era where the education sector emphasizes primarily results and exams, the viral static electricity experiment in Gujarat ought to remind us of a very important fact:The best part about teaching and science? Joy and wonder.