Investigating the Design & Output of Wet Cell Batteries
This kit introduces students to the concept of energy conversion through the study of a simple electrochemical cell connected to an electric motor. Electrochemical cells are the basis for batteries and contain metals and other chemicals with stored chemical potential energy. Students design and conduct an experiment that uses the unique Lan-Aids© Wet Cell Chamber to determine which combination of different metals works best to convert the potential chemical energy into electric energy. Their results allow them to rank the metals tested in order of reactivity. They also investigate how the distance between the metals, the direction of current flow, and the amount of metal surface area impacts the electrical output of the wet cell.
Details at a Glance
- 1-2 Days | 1-2 ~50 minute class periods
- 1 Activity
- Accommodates 1 class, with 6 groups of 4 students
- Consumables service 24 students
- Meets our criteria for supporting literacy
- Developed in partnership with SEPUP
- Requires a water source
Scientific Concepts
•Energy is associated with heat, light, electricity, mechanical motion, sound, nuclei, and the nature of a chemical.
•In most reactions, energy is transferred into or out of a system. (
•Students design and conduct a scientific investigation.
•Students use appropriate tools and techniques to gather, analyze, and interpret data.
•Students use evidence to develop descriptions, explanations, predictions, and models.
Guides & Student Sheets
Our kits and modules provide you with everything you need so you can open, review, and teach the material confidently the next day.
- Full downloadable Teacher Guide with background information, detailed instruction, example data and answers
- Downloadable Student Sheets with age appropriate background information, full procedure(s), and analysis questions
- All materials necessary to carry out the investigation
- Safety Data Sheets
Kit Components
- 30 Packets of table salt
- 12 Copper strips
- 12 Iron strips
- 12 Magnesium strips
- 12 Zinc strips
- 6 Electric motors
- 6 Lab-Aids® Wet Cell Chambers
- 6 Red wire leads with alligator clips
- 6 Black wire leads with alligator clips
- 6 30-mL dropper bottles of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide solution
- 6 30-mL graduated cups
- 6 270-mL (9-oz.) plastic cups
- 6 Small pieces of sandpaper
- 6 Plastic spoons
- 28 Student Worksheets and Guides
- 1 Teacher’s Guide
- 1 Transparency 1: Sample Procedure and Data Table for Part B
- 1 Transparency 2: Metals Activity Chart
- 1 Safety Data Sheet (SDS) packet