We're going to learn how to use the energy stored in fruit and veggies to run a clock, light, and other cool stuff.  Are you ready?

This webpage has all the information you need to complete a Science Fair Project, including instructional step-by-step video, documentation, required forms, experimentation tips and tricks, and how to squeeze your great idea into the scientific method.

[am4show have='p8;p9;p36;p63;' guest_error='Guest error message' user_error='User error message' ] Step 1: Download the Project Guide.

Step 2: Watch the video here...... but note that this video is LOOOOOONG - nearly 2 hours! We just didn't want to forget anything, and we also wanted to give you all the best information we have, so enjoy! (And you'll find that the video intro is the same as the last project's.) If you just want the Fruit Battery video itself without all the Science Fair stuff, click here for project-only video.


Step 3: Download the parts list and data sheet. (You'll need the free Adobe Reader view the PDF files.)

Need parts? Pick up the electronic parts online including a digital multimeter, alligator test wires, and use a galvanized nail and a shiny penny for the electrodes.

Step 4: Set up and do your experiment.

Step 5: Log your data and chart your graphs. You can get Excel for free at this link. OR... download a copy of Excel from Microsoft. Once you have Excel running, use it to chart your data. Click here for sample Excel file.

Step 6: Write your report. You'll find a sample report in the Project Guide.

Step 7 : Build your display board and exhibit. Find tips & tricks in both the video and the Project Guide. Click here to view the sample display board format. [/am4show]

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Comments

11 Responses to “Fruit Batteries Project”

  1. Aurora Lipper says:

    The best thing would be to use a LED (Light Emitting Diode). It requires 2.2volt in order to glow. The current from these batteries is very low, so a current limiting resistor shouldn’t be necessary. Click here to order LEDs from Jameco.com.

  2. karentripp1313 says:

    My daughter did the fruit batteries experiment last year to determine which one produced the most voltage and wants to extrapolate on it this year for the science fair. What type of light bulb should be used if we want to take the experiment to the next level? Such as, how many lemons are needed to light a light bulb? Thanks!

  3. This is an experiment, because you’ll be discovering the voltage provided by different kinds of produce. But I recommend discussing your plans with your teacher to make sure this project qualifies.

  4. Is this project an experiment or a demonstration? My teacher says I need to have an experiment project.

  5. Melissa Beck says:

    This is perfect! Our homeschool science fair is coming up and my kids are going to love this project! My older daughter built what she calls a “flyhicle” out of a laundry basket, using a bunch of cords from the cord drawer (basically a home for extra cords and wires that we don’t have an immediate use for) in my desk. She wove all those cords and wires together and stuck them in pieces of fruits and veggies,and made construction paper pouches with tape to hold them to the side of the basket. She said that it was the first fruit and veggie powered “green flying machine.”She was frustrated, though, that it didn’t actually work. SO, making an actual battery that WORKS out of fruits and veggies will thrill her. Now if we can just figure out how to get the laundry basket to fly …..

  7. Domanicka Dailey says:

    Sounds like that might be fun.

  9. jenna6234 says:

    sounds cool is it fun?

  11. kelly forsyth says:

    what if you could not find a multimeter with 20DC V is it ok to use 25DC V?