If you couldn’t buy batteries at the store, how would you create your own portable source of electrical power? In this hands-on course, students will explore how chemical reactions move electrons—and how that movement can be harnessed to generate electricity. Beginning with simple copper–zinc cells inspired by the first batteries invented over 200 years ago, students will progress to experimenting with hydrogen fuel cells, a promising clean-energy technology for the future.
Using everyday materials found in a kitchen or garage, students will discover what makes batteries more efficient, stronger, and longer lasting. Along the way, they will design, test, and refine their own creations in the lab, tackling challenges to power lights, run motors, and even drive small homemade vehicles.
