Making a lemon clock is a simple but really cool science experiment for kids to try at home. We have been having fun with lots of STEM activities to get ready for the #NickJrBlaze twitter party and this lemon clock experiment was a hit with the boys.
We used a this kit from 4M which is much easier than hunting around for suitable wires and has everything included. Here’s a similar fruit clock kit on Amazon which you can use.
You can re-use everything to experiment with different materials, like other fruits, making a potato clock or even trying the experiment out with fizzy drinks – and make a note of which material works the best.
Supplies needed to make a lemon clock
- 1 Lemon – cut into two halves
- LCD watch with two wires coming out
- 2 x copper plates
- 2 x zinc plates
- Connecting wire
- Adhesive tape
How to make a lemon powered clock
First, cut your lemon in half.
Attach your wires to the zinc and copper plates using adhesive tape. Attach the black wire from the LCD watch to the zinc plate and the red wire to the copper plate.
Then attach the remaining zinc and copper plate together using the connector wire.
Insert the ends of one copper plate and one zinc plate into each half of the lemon and you will see the clock start to power up!
The Science Behind The Activity : How Does a Lemon Clock Work
The powering of the lemon clock works by a process of electrolysis. The copper plates play the role of the positive electrodes of a battery, and the lemon itself plays the role of the battery.
When the copper and zinc plates are inserted into the lemon, a chemical reaction takes place where the electrons with a negative charge move from the zinc plates to the copper plate to form a current.
The juice of the lemon is an acidic electrolyte which is a liquid containing moving ions – allowing for this electric current to pass through.
Other fruits and materials to try
- Grapefruit
- Potato
- Fizzy drinks
- Salt Water
For more STEM activities make sure that you’re following our STEM board on Pinterest
Find out more about Nick Jr’s Blaze and the Monster Machines, a new preschool show with a STEM focus.
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Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.
We totally have to do this. It is such a classic experiment, I can’t believe we have not gotten to it yet. Thanks for sharing your post and the pictures!
This really motivates me to do more science experiments with my boys. I think we will start by trying one project a week based on their interests. Thanks for the inspiration!
This is so cool! I’ve seen the potato clock, but I had no idea you could do this with other fruits or vegetables– what a great idea, and a great science fair idea!
Ooooh, my little scientists would ADORE this. I just pinned it to my homeschool science board. Thank you!
Thanks for the super clear pictures & instructions! I know my kids will love trying this clock.
~Lee