GRADE:Sixth

CONTENT STANDARD: Physical Science

CONTENT TOPIC: Transformation of Energy

CONCEPT: Electricity involves the movement of electrons.

CONTENT OBJECTIVE: 6C2.00 To understand the structure of batteries and how the changing of chemical to electrical energy is useful

INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVES: The learner will:

2.01 define wet cell.
2.02 define dry cell.
2.03 distinguish between the composition of the wet cell and the dry cell.

I. Wet cell
II. Dry cell
III. Distinguishing between dry cell and wet cell

TN COMPONENT OF SCIENCE: Process Of Science

TN GOAL:

To enable students to demonstrate the process of science by posing questions and investigating phenomena through language, methods and instruments of science

1.1 OBSERVING - The senses are used to develop an awareness of an event or object and the properties thereof.

1.1a Observing is a process used to develop an awareness of the surrounding environment.

BENCHMARK: By incorporating prior knowledge with the process of observations a better understanding of one's environment may develop.

1.1b The human senses and technological instruments are used to gather information from the environment.

BENCHMARK: Scientific investigation is enhanced through the use of technology.

TIME REQUIRED:

Approximately one hour

Dry cell batteries, lemon, meter, zinc strip, hacksaw

Class, remember in the study of electricity, we learned that current electricity involves the movement of ELECTRONS. Today we are going to study dry and wet cells and you will be expected to distinguish between them.

The wet cell consists of two different metals called electrodes, placed in a chemical solution, called an electrolyte, that will conduct electric current. When the electrodes are submerged in the electrolyte and connected by a wire, an electric current begins to flow. A chemical reaction takes place. On one of the materials (zinc strip), free electrons collect. The other material (copper strip), loses electrons and becomes positively charged. The electrons flow from the negatively charged materials. A similar chemical takes place in the dry cell.

The dry cell is a closed container, usually a can, made of zinc with a carbon rod in the center surrounded with a wet part containing ammonium chloride with particles of manganese dioxide and powdered carbon. The wet cell has a zinc and a copper pole placed in a liquid, while the dry cell has a zinc and a carbon pole placed in a paste. The dry cell is easier to handle. Wet cells are used in car batteries.

(The following activities are suggested:

1. Place a copper strip in one end of a lemon and a zinc strip in the other end. Use a meter to check for current in a complete, closed circuit.

2. Cut open a spent dry cell battery with a hacksaw. Label the parts that are exposed. Compare the dry cell to the wet cell. WARNING: Wear rubber gloves while cutting the battery.

3. Expose the inside of the lemon in the same way as the dry cell battery. Make a chalkboard list of the differences.)

Today, we have discussed dry and wet cell and their differences. On a sheet of paper, complete these sentences:

1. A closed container, usually a can made of zinc with a carbon pole placed in paste is a ________ (Dry Cell).

2. A ____ _____ (Dry Cell) is easier to handle than a _____ _____ . (Wet cell)

Compare and contrast a dry cell and a wet cell. (The following activities give the students opportunities to research various topics and to explain their findings in their own words.)

1. Name some uses of wet cell batteries.

2. Name some uses of dry cell batteries.

3. Find out what materials can be used as electrolytes and what materials can be used as electrodes.

4. Recall the previous lesson where chemical energy was converted to electrical? Name examples where this takes place in our environment.

5. Name some ways that batteries can be used to replace burning fossil fuels.

This is the time this file has been accessed since 02/25/98.

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