Human Battery Power

Purpose
To demonstrate that a human body can be used as a battery by producing an
electrical current.

Additional information
Batteries are devices that store chemical energy and convert it to electrical energy.
Consisting of one or more voltaic cells, batteries come in various sizes and forms and
are integrated into most electronic and portable devices.

Required materials
Copper Plate
Aluminum Plate
Micro Ammeter (a measuring instrument used to measure the electric current in a
circuit, can be found at your local Radio Shack store)
2 Alligator / Crocodile Clips (a temporary electrical connector, named for its
resemblance to a crocodile's jaws)
Lead Wire
2 Blocks of Wood
A human volunteer
Estimated Experiment Time
About 15-30 minutes to set-up, another few minutes to conduct the experiment.
Step-By-Step Procedure
1. Mount the copper plate and the aluminum plate to separate blocks of wood.
2. Connect one of the Micro Ammeter's terminals to the copper plate and attach
with a Crocodile clip.
3. Connect the other Micro Ammeter's terminal to the aluminum plate and attach
with a Crocodile clip.
4. Have the human volunteer stand between the two plates and hold each one in
their hands.
SECOND VERSION
5. Follow steps 1-4
6. Place both hands in water.
7. Once again, have a human volunteer (with wet hands) stand between the plates
and hold each one.

Note
Make sure both the copper and aluminum plates are clean before using them. Dirty
plates can interfere in the experiment and prevent accurate results.
Observation
When the human grabs each plate, an electric current is generated on the Micro
Ammeter, indicating an electrical charge. If the meter doesn't move, it's possible the
connections are wrong or not secure. In the case of no readings, try cleaning the plates
and reversing the connections.
Result
Placing your hands on the metal plates causes the effect of a battery charge. Your hands
contain a thin film of sweat that produces a chemical reaction similar to battery acid
when placed on the metal plates. Your hands take negatively charged electrons away
from the copper plate and transfer them to the aluminum plate, causing it to be
negatively charged. The variance in charges between the places produces an electrical
current which flows through your body and displays on the meter.
Results For Second Version
In the version where the human's hands are wet, the reading on the current meter is
higher than when the hands were not wet. The human body resists the flow of current
through the skin. When wet hands are placed on the plates, the resistance to current is
decreased thus increasing the flow of current and creating a higher result on the meter.
op Ten Projects
Balloons
Purpose
To demonstrate how the gases from yeast can be used to blow up a balloon.

Additional information
Everyone loves balloons! The bright and festive colors cause a feeling of well being in
all of us. They make us happy! Of course, the process of actually blowing up the
balloons is anything EXCEPT happy! It can be a frustrating task as we try our hardest to
blow the balloon up only to have all the air escape as soon as we try to tie it. By the time
we're on our 3rd balloon, we're all out of breath and wishing there was an easier way.
Using yeast, some sugar, and some warm water we'll do just that!
There are about 1500 species of yeast, which are a growth form of eukaryotic

microorganisms classified in the kingdom Fungi. The species of yeast, Saccharomyces

cerevisiae (also known as S minor), has been used for thousands of years for baking
(such as in breads) and fermenting of alcohol (such as beer). Modern uses of yeast
species have been used for generating electricity in microbial fuel cells and producing
ethanol, a biofuel.

Required materials
1 Packet of dried yeast
Teaspoon
Warm water
Sugar
Clear plastic bottle (such as a small empty soda bottle)
1 or more balloons
Large bowl (optional)

Estimated Experiment Time

Approximately 15 minutes
Step-By-Step Procedure
1. Pour the packet of dried yeast into the clear plastic bottle
2. Add some warm water to the bottle so that the bottle is about 1/4 filled
3. Add a teaspoon of sugar to the bottle and swirl the bottle around
4. Place the balloon over the mouth of the bottle so that it's fully covered and
there are no leaks
5. Place the bottle with the balloon on it on a warm windowsill or place it into a
large bowl of warm water
Note
Sugar, along with vinegar, produces the best conditions for yeast to ferment.
Observation
What is happening when the bottle is placed in the warm bowl or warm window sill?
How do you think the addition of sugar is helping the process? This process is similar to
that of baking bread. Can you describe what causes the yeast to rise?
Result
After placing the bottle in the warm bowl of water or on the warm window sill, the
balloon will "magically" blow itself up. By adding sugar and warmth to the yeast, the
yeast (which is a plant) grows and produces a gas called carbon dioxide. The carbon

dioxide trapped inside the bottle rises and fills up the balloon.