Use pennies to light an LED. Class members follow the provided directions to build a multi-celled battery powered by pennies. Using stacks of pennies of varying heights, pupils control the voltage of the battery to light different colors of LED lights.

Concepts

batteries, electrolytes, electric circuits, electrochemical cells, technology resources

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Instructional Ideas

• Research how batteries work

Classroom Considerations

• Requires post-1982 US pennies
• The voltmeter will allow for calculation of the number of volts each cell produces 

Pros

• Videos show how to construct the battery
• Provides teaching tips on why the battery might not work

Cons

• Destroys pennies