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In this activity, learners light an LED with five cents. Learners use two different metals and some sour, salty water to create a cheap battery. Learners also have the option of checking the voltage of their battery if a voltmeter is available.
- Under 5 minutes
- 10 to 30 minutes
- 1 cent - $1 per student
- Ages 8 - 18
- Activity
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per student)
- 5 or more post-1982 pennies
- 100 grit sandpaper
- matboard or thick cardboard
- scissors
- water
- salt
- vinegar
- red LED; high-intensity ones are easier to see
- electrical tape (optional)
- voltmeter (optional)
Subjects
-
Engineering and Technology
-
Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Technology
-
Engineering
-
Physical Sciences
-
Electricity and Magnetism
- Electric Charges and Currents
- Electric Circuits
- Energy
-
Chemistry
- Chemical Reactions
- Oxidation-Reduction Reactions
- Solutions
-
Structure and Properties of Matter
- Atomic Structure
-
Electricity and Magnetism
-
The Nature of Science
-
The Scientific Process
- Conducting Investigations
-
The Scientific Process
-
The Nature of Technology
-
Technology and Society
- Technology and History
-
The Design Process
- Troubleshooting and Maintenance
-
Technology and Society
Informal Categories
- Electronics
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- see color
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
- Yu, Julie
Rights:
- All rights reserved, Exploratorium, 2008
Funding Sources:
- National Science Foundation, 0610238
- National Science Foundation, 0925383