Take Charge: RSC's Global Battery Experiment
Articles/Websites
Grades3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8Physics, Engineering
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Provided by The Kid Should See This
What it is
- This video and activity from The Kid Should See This challenge students to build their own batteries out of coins and compare the performance of batteries made with different materials.
- The resource teaches students the importance of innovative battery technology to move away from fossil fuels and store energy from renewable power sources.
Teaching tips
Positives
- The simple activity of creating a battery can inspire students to solve problems through engineering and innovation.
- This video has a positive and hopeful tone in finding solutions for climate change through renewable energy.
Prerequisites
- Students should be familiar with the difference between renewable energy sources and fossil fuels.
- Students should be familiar with following directions in a step-by-step way to complete a design challenge.
- Teachers should gather materials in advance including a variety of coins and LED lights.
Differentiation & Implementation
- Before the activity, teachers can lead students in a discussion about where energy comes from to power their favorite electronics.
- If students do not have a background in physics, this activity can still be completed by speaking in general terms such as energy and power.
- Teachers can also explore this video about renewable energy.
From the scientist review
The resource includes an experiment building a coin-based battery made from natural resources and how it could be modified and upscaled to drive renewable power needs for a carbon-free world. This educational tool is simple, illustrative, and perfect for the classroom.
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