Think – Write – Connect

This is an overview of an electricity experiment provided by Heath Scientific.

The Juiced Kit is an electricity experiment used to teach children how to generate electricity by creating a wet cell battery.

General Overview

Electricity can be generated from a number of sources, including household substances. This can be seen through the use of a wet cell battery. A wet cell battery is simply a battery with two electrodes and a liquid electrolyte. An electrolyte is any substance with ions that acts as a conductive medium. An electric meter is used to measure the voltage of each substance tested. Voltage is the speed at which electricity moves.

Supplies Needed

The electricity experiment is completed using the following items, which are provided by Heath Scientific:

· A beaker

· A zinc electrode

· A copper electrode

· 2 alligator clip wires

· An electric meter

· 2 droppers

In addition, several items are required that are not included in the electricity experiment kit. These items are:

· 2 gallons of distilled water

· Household items to test such as vinegar, salt, sugar, milk, shampoo, and other substances

· Paper towels and old newspapers

The electrodes are used to draw electricity out of the substances being tested. An electrode is simply an electrical conductor that acts as terminals in an electrically conducive medium. The electrodes in the electricity experiment are connected to the electric meter using the 2 alligator clip wires. The electric meter measures voltage in millivolts.

Procedure

The electricity experiment is conducted by first attaching the electrodes to the electric meter using the alligator clips. The copper electrode goes to the positive side of the meter, and the zinc electrode to the negative side. The electrodes are then placed into the beaker, without touching. The beaker is filled with water and lemon juice is used to calibrate the meter. It is important to remember the number of lemon juice drops needed to bring the meter to the far right. After cleaning out the items used, the wet cell battery is reassembled and used to test different household substances by substituting the lemon juice for the substance being tested. The readings should be noted to compare the electricity generated by the wet cell battery.

This electricity experiment allows home schooling parents to easily explain the concepts of electricity and voltage without a large investment.

Science project kits such as the electricity experiment are available from Heath Scientific’s website. These science projects cover a wide range of topics from electricity to volume and density. They offer an affordable method for home schooling parents to improve their child’s education. Parents are able to not only improve their home school curriculum, but to take an active role in their child’s education by participating in the science project with their child.

Founded by Pat and Heath Nichols, Heath Scientific is a provider of educational supplies located in Cedar Hill, Texas. Major suppliers of Heath Scientific include AntWorks, Thames & Kosmos, Uncle Milton, and Can You Imagine. If you are interested in hosting a school fundraiser, or obtaining science related educational tools, contact Heath Nichols at Heath Scientific by email at heath@heathscientific.net or by phone at (972) 291-4223.