Friday, September 19, 2008

Physics: Build a battery

This week we investigated batteries: how they work, how to measure their voltage, and what happens when you put them in series.

My original plan was to have them build circuits, but wouldn't you know it...all my AAs were dead. Pretty embarrassing the first week and all! Luckily I had just gone grocery shopping and had plenty of lemons and potatoes, and the fruit on my grapefruit tree are ripe.

Why was this lucky? No, I did not distract them with lemonade and french fries ... it turns out that with a few strips of copper and zinc, wires, and various produce, you can light an LED.

Your kids are now ready to guest-star on any of McGyver, Lost, or Gilligan's Island.

-Rebecca

No comments:

Post a Comment