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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2007  > December  >
Chemistry for Everyone
JCE Classroom Activity
Aluminum—Air Battery
Modesto Tamez and Julie H. Yu
Exploratorium Teacher Institute, San Francisco, CA 94123
Cover
December 2007
Vol. 84 No. 12
p. 1936A

Abstract
In this Activity, students construct a homemade aluminum-air battery out of aluminum foil, activated charcoal, and saltwater. This battery generates enough power to operate a simple electrical device, such as a small motor or holiday light. This provides teachers a hands-on method that uses battery chemistry to teach oxidation and reduction reactions and is fun for students. In addition, the use of oxygen as a reactant presents an opportunity to discuss the science of fuel cells.
More Information
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Citation
Tamez, Modesto; Yu, Julie H. J. Chem. Educ. 2007, 84, 1936A.
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Keywords
Electrochemistry; Electrolytic / Galvanic Cells / Potentials; Elementary / Middle School Science; General Public; Green Chemistry; Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives; High School / Introductory Chemistry; Inorganic Chemistry; Interdisciplinary / Multidisciplinary; Laboratory Instruction; Oxidation / Reduction
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History
Created:
Last Updated:
10/25/2007
10/31/2007
 Caution! 
Experiments, laboratory exercises, lecture demonstrations, and other descriptions of the use of chemicals, apparatus, instruments, computers, and computer interfaces are presented in the Journal of Chemical Education as illustrative of new or improved ideas or concepts in chemistry instruction and are directed at qualified teachers. Although every effort is made to assure and encourage safe practices and safe use of chemicals, the Journal of Chemical Education cannot assume responsibility for uses made of its published materials. Many chemicals are hazardous. Precautions for the safe use of hazardous chemicals and directions for their proper disposal are described in the Material Safety Data Sheets and on the labels. We strongly urge all those planning to use materials from our pages to make choices and to develop procedures for laboratory and classroom safety in accordance with local needs and situations.
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