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Construct a simple battery that's able to power a small light or motor out of foil, salt water, and charcoal. A helpful video, produced by the Exploratorium, guides you along on this activity.
- 5 to 10 minutes
- 10 to 30 minutes
- $1 - $5 per student
- Ages 8 - 18
- Activity
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per student)
- Aluminum foil
- Scissors
- Activated charcoal (available at aquarium supply stores)
- Spoon
- Paper towels
- Salt
- Small cup
- Water
- Two electrical leads with clips on the ends
- A small electrical device (such as a battery-powered DC motor or holiday light)
- Masking tape
Subjects
-
Physical Sciences
-
Electricity and Magnetism
- Electric Charges and Currents
- Electromagnetic Fields
- Electric Motors
- Electric Circuits
-
Energy
- Energy and Power
-
Chemistry
- Chemical Reactions
-
Electricity and Magnetism
Informal Categories
- Electronics
Other
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
Rights:
- Creative Commons: Non-commercial Share Alike (by-nc-sa), Exploratorium Teacher Institute,