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Active Time
45 minutes to 1 hour
Total Project Time
45 minutes to 1 hour
Key Concepts
electricity, battery, chemical reaction, electrical conductor
Two pennies stuck into a lemon are connected with aluminum foil and paperclips

Introduction

Can you imagine how your life would change if batteries did not exist? If it were not for this handy storage of electrical energy, the radio in a car would not function, nor would the lights. A pacemaker or hearing device would need to be plugged into a wall outlet in order to function, and do not forget all portable electronic devices like phones, digital music players, or tablets, which are all powered by batteries.

With all the frustration you might have endured coping with dead batteries, it might surprise you how easy it is to make one out of household materials. Try out this activity, and it might just charge up your imagination.

Credits

Sabine De Brabandere, PhD, Science Buddies
This activity is not appropriate for use as a science fair project. Good science fair projects have a stronger focus on controlling variables, taking accurate measurements, and analyzing data. To find a science fair project that is just right for you, browse our library of over 1,200 Science Fair Project Ideas or use the Topic Selection Wizard to get a personalized project recommendation.
Next: Materials

Materials

  • Pennies
  • Water
  • A few drops of dishwashing soap
  • Paper towels
  • Aluminum foil
  • Scissors
  • Ruler
  • Plate
  • Knife
  • At least one lemon (preferably with a thin skin)
  • Plastic-coated paper clips (2)
Next: Instructions

Reviews

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Active Time
45 minutes to 1 hour
Total Project Time
45 minutes to 1 hour
Key Concepts
electricity, battery, chemical reaction, electrical conductor
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