Afterschool Youth explored electricity and how things work for a few weeks. They were engaged in making a clock run with lemons, wires, and connectors. There were many great questions asked such as “Will I get shocked?” and “How can a lemon make electricity?”
First, let me say that students are not shocked in the lemon experiment!! The lemon contains citric acid and water. When metals are introduced to citric acid a small current is created through conduction. Therefore, the lemon acts as a battery and can power a very small clock.
Electromagnetism was explored using a 6 V battery, wires, and a compass. Electric currents have magnetic fields. Navigation with a compass can be affected with the right type of current. Youth explored electromagnetism in small groups, communicated, asked questions, and tested their knowledge through various means. All by themselves!! They were engaged and excited about their discoveries!
If you would like to learn more, please click on this link: https://www.wired.com/story/can-your-electronic-gadgets-interfere-with-your-compass/
Please reach out if you have any questions or ideas.