Illustrations of familiar batteries, their main uses, the chemicals inside them and whether they are rechargeable.

Suggested activities are to:

• Identify the metals involved and their symbols – why do different batteries contain different metal compounds? Use the websites to find out.

•Use the websites to match the pictures with the words (card sorting)

•List the characterisitics required for different battery applications (e.g., long life, short burst, reliability (eg for a pacemaker), many recharges, price)

•Work out a way of collecting sorted batteries for recycling (keeping the same materials together) – find out what happens to old car batteries.

•Find the price of the different batteries (web, shops) and compare the economics and environmental impact.

Batteries teaching resources

Zinc : Magnesium oxide, Alkaline battery

Higher capacity general use, non-rechargeable

Lithium ion battery

High capacity, mobile phones, laptops, rechargeable.

Nickel : Metal Hydride

Higher demand rechargeable without memory effect

Lithium photo battery

Non-rechargeable, cameras with flash.

Lithium `coin’ battery

Watches, electronics, calculators, non-rechargeable

Zinc: mercury oxide battery

Hearing aids, non-rechargeable

Zinc : carbon battery

General purpose, cheap, non-rechargeable

Lead: lead oxide and acid car battery

High capacity, rechargeable

Nickel : Cadmium battery

General purpose, rechargeable