A science classroom can have shelves full of equipment and still not be truly ready for hands-on learning. Use this practical checklist to evaluate whether your middle and high school science classrooms have the equipment, organization, safety resources, and accessibility students need to investigate science for themselves.

Static electricity can make your hair stand on end, stick a balloon to a wall, or give you a surprising shock. But despite how familiar it is, scientists still don't completely understand how static charge develops. Explore the surprising science—and unanswered questions—behind this classroom favorite.