Students observe the electrolysis of water using either photovoltaics or a battery as the electric energy source.

Handouts included; photovoltaic cell (3V min) or 9-volt battery (one per group), piece of aluminum foil, approx. 6 cm x 10 cm (one per group), salt, electrical wires with alligator clips (one per group), beaker or small bowl (one per group), water, stirring rod or spoon, and graduated cylinders (several per class).

National Standards: 5-8

• INT-B: 1.e. There are more than 100 known elements that combine in many ways to produce compounds, which account for the living and nonliving substances in the world.
• INT-B: 3.e. Electrical circuits provide a means of transferring electrical energy.
• INT-B: 3.f. In most chemical and nuclear reactions, energy is transferred into or out of a system. Heat, light, mechanical motion, or electricity might all be involved in such transfers.