Summary
Ever wonder why some batteries keep going and going and going… while others seem to die out in no time flat? Join Cassie and Moby as they unravel this mystery and break down how chemical reactions can generate electrical power. Batteries transform potential energy into kinetic energy through a series of electrochemical events. Electrons break free from their nuclei in the anode, creating positive ions. The electrons leave the battery through the collector and travel along a circuit, powering a device. Finally, they reach the cathode, where they trigger a series of chemical reactions between materials there and positive ions from the anode. If you're energized to learn more, play this movie!
Viewer safety
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Teaching resources
Discussion questions
A few questions to talk through after watching Batteries:
- What is one new thing you learned about batteries?
- Can you explain it to a partner in your own words?
- Where might you see this in the real world?
- What is one question you still have?
Quick work-a-long
Try it:
- Write one sentence explaining batteries.
- Draw or give one example of your own.