Activity: On the Hunt … for Batteries!

By Weslene Tallmadge

Introduction

This is an indoor scavenger hunt that you can do alone or with a friend. Read a clue from the list below. Think about what each item might be. Then look for it until you find it. How many items can you find in 10 minutes? 

Hint: It will be an item that uses batteries as its energy source.

Question to Investigate  

Which items in your home use batteries?

Materials

• a timer
• a piece of paper, pen, or cell phone for each player
• a printed copy (or picture) of the clues on this page for each player

Procedure

1. Set the timer for 10 minutes.
2. Find as many items as you can that use batteries. If you can’t find an item, guess!
3. Provide evidence of each item found/guessed by writing the name of the item next to each clue, OR take a photo of each item exactly where you found it. Ask your adult partner to tell you if the item uses rechargeable or single-use batteries. You will note down an “R” next to the items that contain rechargeable batteries or an “SU” next to those that use single-use batteries.
4. When 10 minutes are up, check the answer key on this page, and give yourself 1 point for each item you found/guessed correctly based on the answer.
5. Add an extra point for each item that contains rechargeable batteries, rather than disposable batteries.
   

Battery Hunt Clues!

1. Although I can usually fit in just one hand, I am all you need to write to your grandma, watch videos, play games, and take pictures at a birthday party.
2. You can scribble on me and not get into trouble, and you might use me for some homework assignments, too.
3. I keep track of time, even when the power is out.
4. I can change the channel for you without you having to get up.
5. Do not burn your toast, or you may hear from me (loudly).
6. If you like to play games, get a grip on me!
7. You may wish you could always use me in math class.
8. Hold me tight when it’s dark at night. I shine bright.
9. You are never too old to play. I might be your favorite gift.
10. I can be loud or quiet. You connect me to an electronic device to dance or sing along.

Ask an adult if any of the items you found use rechargeable batteries, and you make a note.

Bonus items: Look around to find more items that use batteries but aren’t on the list. 

1. __________________________________

2. __________________________________

Answer Key

1. Cell phone (R)
2. Tablet/laptop computer (R)/(R)
3. Alarm clock/watch (can be a smart watch or regular watch) (SU)/(R)
4. TV remote (SU)
5. Smoke detector (SU)
6. Wireless/mobile game controller (SU)/(SU)
7. Calculator (SU)
8. Flashlight/battery-powered lamp (SU)/(R)
9. Any toy that runs on batteries (SU)
10. Bluetooth speakers/earphones/headphones (R)/(R)/(R)

Bonus answer: Some other items you might find include: remote controls for a fan, space heater, light, or car key, solar lights, robot vacuum cleaners, wheelchairs, electronic scales, battery-operated toothbrushes or shavers, wireless doorbells, security cameras, thermometers, watches, clocks, musical devices such as keyboards, two-way radios, hearing aids, cars, e-bikes, and garage door openers.

Where’s the chemistry?

Since their invention, batteries have played a greater and greater role in our daily lives.  We rely on batteries to store energy, and then provide that energy when and where we want to use it. Using batteries can decrease how much we use fossil fuels, help us be more mobile, and make our devices do more for us.

Weslene Tallmadge is a Professor at Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania.