Scientific Method - Electricity:Potato Clock

On Tuesday we learned about the Scientific Method

and Electricity using a Potato Clock

First we asked our Big Question?

If I use two potatoes will it work like a battery to power the clock?

Then I asked the children what their Hypothosis was. 

I explained that a hypothosis was an educated guess,

the best guess about what you think will happen and why it will happen.

All the materials for our experiment on the table

Potato Clock Kit

Oil, Orange Juice and Orange Soda

Rootbeer, Aloe Vera Medicated Gel, Orange, Banana, Red Potatoes

Then we conducted our experiment.

We set up our experiment according to the directions in the kit.

Make an electrical loop by using copper plates and zinc plates connected with wires.

We then inserted the plate (one zinc & one copper in each potato)

The Potato Clock Worked

Next we tried Rootbeer. 

It worked but the clock was flashing.

We found that when the plates were touching

each other the battery would not work.

Orange Juice made the clock work

Orange Halves made the clock work

Orange Soda made the clock work

Medicated Aloe Vera Gel (for my sunburn) worked.

I was skeptical but banana's work too.

We did an experiment with cooking oil. 

I don't know why I don't have a picture,

but it did not work at all.

So we decided to combine the oil and the Aloe Vera Gel together

The clock worked.

I explained to the children that if we were doing  a science fair project for school we would need to do some research to find out why the oil didn't work and why the other items did work.

In conclusion, science experiements  make you think and test your knowledge.

It is fun to learn!