How can we systematically test different metals to help build a better battery?
The storyline in this STEM kit takes students through systematic testing of four metals to determine combinations that produce the greatest voltage. As students learn to use a digital balance and multimeter, explore the concept of electrolytes and electricity, and share ideas with their partner on which combinations of metals to try, they mimic skills and techniques straight out of Dr. Amy Prieto’s research laboratory at CSU!
Science and Engineering Practices
- Planning and carrying out investigations
- Analyzing and interpreting data
- Using mathematics and computational thinking
- Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information
Crosscutting Concepts
- Patterns
- Energy and Matter in Systems
- Structure and Function
Disciplinary Core Ideas
4-PS3.D: Energy in Chemical Processes and Everyday Life The conversion of stored energy into a desired form for practical use.
5-PS1.A: Structure and Properties of Matter Measurements of a variety of properties can be used to identify materials.
MS-PS1.B: Chemical Reactions Some chemical reactions release energy; others store energy.
MS-ETS1.B: Developing Possible Solutions There are systematic processes for evaluating solutions with respect to how well they meet the criteria and constraints of a problem.
HS-PS3.A: Definitions of Energy “Electrical energy” may mean energy stored in a battery or energy transmitted by electrical currents.
HS-PS3.D: Energy in Chemical Processes Solar cells are human-made devices that likewise capture the sun’s energy and produce electrical energy.
Class Requirements
- 4th grade and up
- Moderate teacher preparation
- One to two class periods
- 30 students or less at a time
- Science notebooks
- Sink
Get Energized! STEM Kit Tutorials
- Trouble Shooting Battery Cell Stacks (video coming soon)
- Get Energized! STEM Kit Use Instructions (complete teacher guide)
- Get Energized! STEM Kit Clean-Up & Repacking Instructions
- Get Energized! STEM Kit Material List
- Get Energized! YouTube Tutorial (Part 1 of 2)
- Get Energized! YouTube Tutorial (Part 2 of 2)
Get Energized! STEM Kit Resources
- Blank Data Table Template
- Science Notebook Template (for use in lieu of Science Notebooks)
- Science Notebook Template (Spanish version)
- Science Notebook Evaluation Rubric
- Get Energized! STEM Kit Classroom Discussion Questions
- Get Energized! STEM Kit Instruction Booklet
(available upon request – email name and school to Dr. Andrew Warnock)
CSU Resources
- Faculty Collaborator: Dr. Amy Prieto – College of Natural Sciences, Dept. of Chemistry
- Clean Energy @ CSU
Other Useful Resources
- History and Basics of Batteries
- Chemistry of Silicon Solar Cells
- Galvanic Series Explained
- Electrochemistry Explained
Borrowing Get Energized! STEM Kits
There is no charge to educators who wish to borrow any of our STEM kits. We appreciate applications be submitted at least 2 weeks in advance of the desired use date. The loan application forms require you to confirm your email address before it will be sent to the EOC – so once you click submit, check your email (including the junk folder)! You should also get a copy of the form for your records via email, if you don’t, please contact Courtney Gooding Butler (courtney.butler@colostate.edu).
- Local Pick-Up Loan Application Form – for educators in the immediate area of Fort Collins (i.e.: Greeley, Loveland, Ault, Windsor, Johnstown, etc.)
- Delivery Loan Application Form – for educators in Colorado outside of the immediate Fort Collins area
- Educator Feedback Survey – must be completed after returning kits to the NSEOC and before another kit can be requested
Failure is instructive. The person who really thinks learns quite as much from his failures as from his successes. – John Dewey
