Exploring electricity through hands-on discovery at RSJ Summer Camp
What do a lemon, a potato, and a kiwi all have in common? At first glance, not much – but with the right tools and a curious mind, they can each become a working battery.
As part of this summer’s science programme at RSJ, pupils took part in an interactive experiment exploring the basics of electricity and energy. Using everyday items like potatoes, kiwis, limes, lemons, and oranges, they investigated how simple chemical reactions can be harnessed to generate electric current – and even power a small light.
The activity introduced pupils to the science behind galvanic cells: systems that generate electricity through a chemical reaction between two electrodes (in this case, zinc and copper) placed into an electrolyte-rich material, such as a fruit or vegetable. Each item was tested by inserting metal strips, connecting them with alligator clips, and measuring the voltage and current produced. Pupils experimented with connecting batteries in series and parallel, gaining insight into how the configuration of a circuit can affect performance.
More than just a fun and unexpected way to learn about electrical circuits, the project supported RSJ’s wider ethos: encouraging pupils to think critically, ask questions, and engage with complex ideas through practical exploration.
Rather than relying solely on theory, pupils were given the opportunity to test hypotheses, adapt their methods, and analyse real data. The goal was not simply to find out which fruit was “best” – but to build a deeper understanding of how energy flows, what makes a circuit work, and how scientific thinking applies to everyday materials.
Activities like these reflect our belief that science is not something that happens only in textbooks or laboratories. It is something you can touch, question, build, and even taste (though not in this case – the potatoes were definitely off the lunch menu after use!).
By combining creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking, our pupils are learning not just how the world works – but how to explore it with confidence.
