Enhancing energy literacy in children using zn/cu/potato batteries

Background . The major challenges that prevent the wide-scale adoption of emerging personal clean energy production are unawareness and low self-confidence. We tested a hypothesis that a combination of a new technology and educational methods could lead to the increase in awareness of children to clean energy possibilities and to an increase in self-confidence in applying them. Methods . Here we report on a toolkit that combines low carbon, clean energy source, Zn/Cu/potato batteries, sufficient to power light-emitting diodes, with a non-formal education by experience program, based on case studies and hands-on experience with battery assembly for 6-11 years old children, led by trained 12-14 old youth leaders. Results . The results show that the education experience increased the awareness of the children to produce electricity at home from unconventional, yet available raw materials and their self-confidence in being able to do this (p=0.008). Conclusions. The developed toolkit supports environmental and energy literacy education through non-formal training, increasing awareness and self-confidence in children to actually apply this in their living environment to produce clean energy.