Summer SAVY, Session 4 Day 1, “Wonders of Electrochemistry” (7th-8th)
SAVY Families,
What a fantastic first day in Wonders of Electrochemistry! It was a joy to welcome such curious and engaged young scientists into our classroom. Today, we sparked our journey by exploring the foundational ideas behind chemistry and how electrons play a role in chemical reactions, especially in the exciting world of electrochemistry.
We kicked off with an icebreaker that welcomed everyone and an introductory assessment to help set our starting point for the week’s learning. This helped us connect prior knowledge to the new concepts we would be uncovering! In our first session, we laid the groundwork by discussing atoms, electrons, and what makes a substance reactive. We then zoomed into electrochemistry, learning how chemical reactions can generate electricity! Students were introduced to the concept of standard reduction potentials and why some elements are better at gaining electrons than others.
After lunch, it was time to get hands-on! Students visualized how simple batteries can be made using lemons, copper, and zinc strips. Using alligator clips and LED lights, they observed firsthand how citric acid could drive an electrochemical reaction strong enough to generate a small voltage to light an LED bulb. We tested conductivity, experimented with different setups, and even debated: Could you really power a house with fruit batteries? Spoiler alert: It’s not the most efficient plan, but the science behind it is real!
Our day wrapped up with a class-wide Electrochemistry Escape Room challenge. Teams used reduction potential clues and riddles to identify reactive metals from the periodic table. This fun, fast-paced puzzle helped students reinforce their understanding of electrochemical series and element reactivity.
To keep the excitement going at home, here are some great “Think Beyond” questions to ask your student:
- Why do lemons produce electricity when combined with metals?
- What are real-world examples of electrochemistry?
- How can knowing about reactivity help us design better batteries?
Tomorrow, we’ll dig deeper into oxidation and reduction reactions and discover how electrical circuits power an LED. We are just getting started, and I am so proud of the energy and enthusiasm your students brought today!
Best Regards,
Ms. Richards