Batteries not included

Which brand of batteries lasts the longest?

Be careful to dispose of used batteries properly.  DO NOT burn them.

PLAN

Obtain batteries made by different manufacturers.

Use the batteries.

Time how long they last.

I WILL NEED

Different brands of batteries.

Some kind of battery-powered equipment.

Watch (or other timer).

Pencil & paper.

I MAY NEED

You may have equipment in school that will make this project easier (e.g.: ammeters; light sensors.)

You could investigate different types of batteries

(rather than different brands).

FAIR TEST

Will you investigate several different sizes / voltages of battery?

Will it make any difference what you use the batteries for?

PREDICTION

Will the best-known brand of batteries last longest?

Will the more expensive batteries last longest?

PRACTICAL ACTIVITY

What voltage battery did you choose - and why?

What did you use the batteries for?

What did you observe?

Can you explain this?

COLLECT

DATA

How will you decide at what point a battery is "used up"?

ANALYSE

DATA

Which brand of battery lasted longest?

Did different sizes of batteries perform differently?

Did you consider the cost of the batteries?

PRESENT

FINDINGS

EVALUATE

INVESTIGATION

If you were going to do this investigation again, what would you do to improve it?

Could you find a way to speed up the investigation?

If you have carried out this investigation, click the icon to send in your results to Brainboxx and we may publish your work on the website.  It is best to e-mail the results of your investigation or you may need to send them by post.  Make sure you get permission from a teacher, parent or other adult before you get in touch.

How batteries work