Introduction: Potato Powered LED!

About: MiniScience is a distributor of science education products, based in Clifton, New Jersey since the year 2000.

LEDs require more than 2 volts to light up.

Each Zinc-Copper Potato produces 1 volt. In this particular setup, we've created 3 - 1 Volt batteries connected in a series so that they can light up an LED.

Please see photos for directions.

Also see "Metal Reactivity Series" table to learn more.

Step 1: What You Will Need

1 LED 2-3V
3 Idaho Potatoes
3 Copper Electrodes (5" x 3/4")
3 Zinc Electrodes (5" x 3/4")
4 Double Sided Alligator Clip Wires
Rubber Bands

Step 2: Connections


See photo for connection setup.

Note: The LED has a positive and negative so if your connection doesn't initially work, just switch the wire connection to the legs.

Step 3: Make Electricity!


Light & Dark Photos of the lit LED!

Step 4: Kit With Instructions


You can find the make electricity kit on ScienceKitStore.com

MAKE ENERGY: A US-Mexico Innovation Challenge

Participated in the
MAKE ENERGY: A US-Mexico Innovation Challenge

Make it Glow!

Participated in the
Make it Glow!