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Fruit and Vegetable Power Challenge

Create a simple battery using fruit and vegetables to explore how chemical reactions can generate electricity in a fun experiment

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You’ll need

  • Fruit & veg power challenge instructions sheet per group
  • Fruit & veg power challenge record sheet per group
  • 6 pieces or 6 whole small fruit or vegetable (apple, orange, lemon, potato, onion and courgette
  • 4 zinc coated nails (galvanised)
  • 4 short pieces of copper wire
  • 8 connecting wires with crocodile clips
  • 1 small LED light, buzzer, or digital clock (≤2V)
  • 1 multimeter (optional)
  • Paper towels
  • Safety goggles and disposable gloves (optional)
  • Pen/pencil
Fruit And Vegetable Power Challenge Instructions
PDF – 197.0KB
Download Fruit And Vegetable Power Challenge Instructions
Record Sheet
PDF – 58.5KB
Download Record Sheet

Before you begin 

  • Use the safety checklist to help you plan and risk assess your activity. Take a look at our guidance to help you carry out your risk assessment, including examples.  
  • Make sure all young people and adults involved in the activity know how to take part safely.
  • Make sure you’ll have enough adult helpers. You may need some parents and carers to help. 

Planning and setting up this activity 

  • Set up 6 activity stations for each fruit and vegetable containing the resources and instruction sheets.
  • Experiment record sheet for each team. 
  • Batteries are used to store chemical energy. Placing a battery in a circuit allows this chemical energy to generate electricity which can power device like mobile phones, TV remotes and even cars.
  • Generally, batteries only store small amounts of energy. More and more mobile devices like tablets, phones and laptops use rechargeable batteries.
  • Batteries are a non-renewable form of energy but when rechargeable batteries store energy from renewable energy sources they can help reduce our use of fossil fuels and cut down carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas production.   (BBC Bitesize)
  • Usually a battery is made up of cells. The cell is what converts the chemical energy into electrical energy.
  • A simple cell contains two different metals (electrodes) separated by a liquid or paste called an electrolyte. When the metals are connected by wires an electrical circuit is completed.
  • One metal is more reactive than the other. Negatively-charged electrons flow from the more reactive metal through the wires to the less reactive metal. In the graphic above, electrons flow from the magnesium to the copper. Positively-charged ions flow from the copper through the electrolyte to the magnesium.
  • Electricity will continue to flow until there is no more magnesium left to react. (BBC Bitesize)
  • Batteries are stores of chemical energy. When being used in portable electrical devices like your phone, they transfer chemical energy into electrical energy.
  • When a battery stops working, it is because the chemicals in it have been used up. Some batteries are rechargeable and when they are being recharged, electrical energy (from the mains) is transferred back to chemical energy (in the battery) to be used again. (BBC Bitesize)

 

Running this activity 

  1. Gather everyone around and tell them that today they will be making a simple battery from fruits and using it to light a bulb. 
  2. Put everyone in teams of 3-4. 
  3. Assign each team to an activity station to start with. They will have 20 mins at each station and then will move to the next one.
  4. Demonstrate to everyone how to create the circuit by showing them step 5-16. 
  5.  Roll each fruit or veg gently on the table to soften it slightly.
  6. Make two small holes about 2–3 cm apart using a small screwdriver.
  7. Use sandpaper to clean your nails by rubbing the sand paper on the nails. This will improve the conductivity. 
  8. Push a zinc nail into one hole and a copper wire into the other hole. Make sure the metals don’t touch inside the fruit. 
  9. Repeat this for all the fruits and vegetables on your station. Each fruit is one battery cell.
  10. Connect the copper wire of one fruit/veg →to the zinc nail of the next fruit/veg. Continue until all fruits/veg are linked in a chain.
  11. Connect the end of the chain of fruits to the LED light or buzzer.
  12. Does it light or buzz?
  13. If you have a multimeter then connect it into the circuit as shown in the instruction sheet and make a record of the voltage of the chain of fruit/veg.
  14. If you don't have a multimeter just write down what you see (bulb) or hear (buzzer).
  15. Use either:  Very bright or very loud, Bright or loud, dim or low
  16. 16. Write down on the record sheet and complete it for all the fruit and veg from all the stations.
  17. 17. Which fruit or veg was the best or worst? 

Reflection

Today we discovered that even everyday items like fruit can produce electricity! By combining zinc and copper in a lemon or potato, we created a small chemical reaction that generated power. Working as a team helped us test different fruits and learn how linking them together increased the voltage. It was exciting to see the LED light up and realise how science can turn simple materials into energy. We also discussed how real batteries work and why renewable energy and sustainability are important for our future. This activity showed us that science can be fun, creative, and practical! 

Safety

All activities must be safely managed. You must complete a thorough risk assessment and take appropriate steps to reduce risk. Use the safety checklist to help you plan and risk assess your activity. Always get approval for the activity, and have suitable supervision and an InTouch process.

You must run your activities in line with the Safeguarding Code of Conduct for Adults (Yellow Card) and report any concerns to the UK HQ Safeguarding Team.

Electronics

Remove any equipment you’re working on from the power source before you begin. Never assume the power circuit’s off – test it with a voltmeter (and then test it again to be sure). Only connect power to a circuit once you’ve finished working on it and have checked your work. Make sure your circuit isn’t overloaded, and return any covers you’ve removed.

Make sure that all electronics equipment is properly grounded. Use the right electronics tools, and always replace damaged equipment (for example, replace cables rather than repairing them with insulating tape). Always have safety equipment including a fire extinguisher, basic first aid kit, and mobile phone nearby.

Electrical equipment

Inspect cables for any damage before each use. A responsible adult should supervise people using equipment, and people should follow instructions on how to use them correctly and safely. They should be properly maintained and stored. Be extra cautious of trailing cables and water when using electric equipment.

Science

Supervise young people, and only do science activities that are advised and age appropriate for your section. Test activities first, to make sure you’re confident you can lead them safely. Use protective clothing where necessary.

Sharp objects

Teach young people how to use sharp objects safely. Supervise them appropriately throughout. Store all sharp objects securely, out of the reach of young people.

Food

Remember to check for allergies, eating problems, fasting or dietary requirements and adjust the recipe as needed. Make sure you’ve suitable areas for storing and preparing food and avoid cross contamination of different foods. Take a look at our guidance on food safety and hygiene.

Make it accessible

All Scout activities should be inclusive and accessible.

Scouts Electronics Activity Badge
Cubs Global Issues Activity Badge

If you enjoyed this activity, try some of our other activities sponsored by Varta