Curated OER
Let's Light up a Light Bulb
Third graders investigate electricity. In this electricity lesson, 3rd graders observe a familiar battery-operated toy and brainstorm reasons why and how the battery works. Students work in pairs to explore batteries, bulbs, and wires,...
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Cell Potentials
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Students will discover how an electrical potential is generated in an electrochemical cell, and then they will calculate the standard cell potentials from a table of...
Great Idea Finder
The Great Idea Finder: Electric Battery
A brief article from The Great Idea Finder.
TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: How Batteries Work
Batteries are a triumph of science-they allow smartphones and other technologies to exist without anchoring us to an infernal tangle of power cables. Yet even the best batteries will diminish daily, slowly losing capacity until they...
University of Waterloo (Canada)
Computer Assisted Chem. Tutorial/chemistry of Batteries
A superb explanation of how a battery works. Discusses the associated chemistry which explains how a battery produces a voltage. Includes a series of "Confidence Building Questions."
National High Magnetic Field Laboratory
Magnet Academy: Daniell Cell
English chemist John Frederick Daniell came up with a twist on the simple voltaic cell that resulted in a longer-lasting source of power.
Museum of Science
The Atom's Family: Fruity Electricity
Frankenstein's electricity is out. In this activity, students help him find another source of energy using citrus fruit. Good for students who want to do their own projects or for class lessons.
Science Struck
Science Struck: The Working Principle and Uses of a Dry Cell Battery
Explains how a dry cell battery works, the chemical reactions that take place in it, how to use a multimeter to test its strength, what dry cell batteries are used for, their advantages, and about recycling. [The article suggests placing...
Science Struck
Science Struck: Steps for Making a Dry Cell Battery on Your Own
Learn two methods of making a dry cell battery using simple materials. Some materials would need to be purchased and adult supervision is recommended.