Overview

THE MUD BATTERY PROJECT

GOAL

• Develop a mud battery that produces the highest voltage.

BIG QUESTIONS

1. What conditions provide an optimal environment for bacterial growth?
2. What conditions allow for the optimal collection and transfer of electric charge?

IMPORTANT DATES, DETAILS, AND RESPONSIBILITIES

<TASK 1> - [GROUP WORK] - Initial Research

• Consider: the voltage produced by a mud battery depends on the bacteria in the mud as well as the materials used. Therefore, what are 3 variables that can be changed that would have an effect on the voltage produced by a mud battery? Provide a testable hypothesis for each variable the predicts what will happen to the voltage if the variable were changed.
• Provide a list specifying the materials that will be used to construct the your first mud battery. Include measurements.
• Write a 1 page report explaining the advantages of the features you’ve included in your design.
• Please refer to the slide show below for details and examples regarding the initial research and sketches

<TASK 2> - [GROUP WORK] - Mud Battery Test #1

<TASK 3> - [INDIVIDUAL WORK] - Progress Report

• Go to Submit Reports and fill in a progress report form.
• Answer all questions concisely and accurately.

<TASK 4> - [GROUP WORK] - Mud Battery Test #2

<TASK 5> - [INDIVIDUAL WORK] - Progress Report

• Go to Submit Reports and fill in a progress report form.
• Answer all questions concisely and accurately.

<TASK 6> - [GROUP WORK] - Mud Battery Test #3

<TASK 7> - [INDIVIDUAL WORK] - Final Report

• Go to Submit Reports and fill in a progress report form.
• Answer all questions concisely and accurately.

MARK DISTRIBUTION

There is a total of 30 marks for this project.

5 marks - Initial Research and Sketches

3 marks - per report (3 reports for a total of 9 marks)

5 marks - per mud battery test #1 and #2 (2 tests for a total of 10 marks)

*5 marks - bonus performance mark for final mud battery*

6 marks - Final Written Response

Click here to download project handouts