Build A Battery

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The Let's Do Chemistry "Build a Battery" activity lets participants learn how batteries work and how materials behave, change, and interact by building their own simple battery out of metal and felt washers. Learners can use their battery to power an LED or a buzzer. This style of battery is similar to the original "voltaic pile" battery. Activity includes a facilitation guide with potential misconceptions, relevant science infosheets with real-world connections, table sign, and activity training video. All public-facing materials also available in Spanish.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$10 - $20 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 6 - adult
Resource Types:
Activity, Model
Language:
English, Spanish

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Permanent marker and labels
  • 2 LED flashlights (one with working batteries inside, one without)
  • Acrylic stand
  • Felt disks
  • 3/4 inch standard zinc washers (8, save extras)
  • 3/4 inch copper washers (8, 1 with a length of copper wire attached, save extras)
  • Bowl
  • Vinegar
  • Tray
  • Small, grippy tongs to hold felt washers
  • Paper towels
  • Microfiber cloth or sponge
  • 2 wires with alligator clips on each end
  • Large LED diodes (Squishy Circuit style)
  • Buzzer
  • Marker and labels

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Chemical Engineering
  • Physical Sciences
    • Energy
      • Energy and Power
    • Chemistry
      • Chemical Reactions

Informal Categories

  • Science Festivals Activity

Audience

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Foreign language versions of this resource:

Components that are part of this resource:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

Funding Source:

  • National Science Foundation, 1612482