Voltaic batteries turn chemical energy into the electrical energy we use to power electronics. With this science experiment, student can create their own voltaic batteries using ordinary items.

Materials:

  • Distilled white vinegar
  • 5 pieces of copper wire
  • 5 galvanized nails
  • Ice tray
  • 1 LED light
  • Adult supervision

Instructions:

  • Wrap a nail with a piece of copper wire, leaving a section of wire extending from below the head of the nail.
  • Repeat Step 1 with the remaining 4 nails and 4 pieces of copper wire.
  • Fill 6 wells of an ice tray with distilled white vinegar.
  • Create a circuit by inserting each nail into a well of vinegar while placing the extended wire into the next well.
  • Place one “leg” of an LED light into the well with only a copper wire inside it and place the other LED “leg” into the well with only a nail in it. If the bulb lights up, you nailed it! If the bulb doesn’t light up, flip the legs around!

Source: http://www.stevespanglerscience.com/lab/experiments/ice-tray-battery/