Human Battery

Add to list Go to activity
Activity link broken? See if it's at the internet archive
Learners place their hands on different metals and use an ammeter to monitor the flow of electricity from one metal to another. They become part of a complete circuit, allowing electrons to flow from one metal to another. This activity gives details about how to construct a display board for learners to use.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
1 to 2 hours
Learning Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$10 - $20 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Exhibit
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • One 6 in. by 12 in. sheet of iron (Fe)
  • One 6 in. by 12 in. sheet of copper (Cu)
  • One 6 in. by 12 in. sheet of aluminum (AI)
  • One 6 in. by 12 in. sheet of zinc (Zn)
  • One micro-ammeter
  • 6 ft insulated electrical wire
  • One 1¼-ft by 3-ft wooden board
  • Heavy-duty cloth tape, 2 in. wide

Keywords

Subjects

  • Physical Sciences
    • Electricity and Magnetism
      • Electric Charges and Currents
      • Electric Circuits

Informal Categories

  • Electronics
  • Science Festivals Activity

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • read
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

Funding Source:

  • National Science Foundation