Recreating a 200 Year Old Discovery in your Kitchen

Building a DIY voltaic pile is not difficult or expensive — plus it’s like time travel!

The invention that spawned the discovery of 6 elements and 2 physical laws is actually pretty easy to replicate. I’ve done it in my home with my 4 year old daughter, and while I like to think I’m experienced chemist, you really don’t need any real expertise to do this experiment. You don’t need to know terminology like cathode or anode (although it does help), and the materials are available on the interwebz. Voltages and currents are very low, so if you do happen to complete the circuit yourself, the pain of shocking yourself shouldn’t be too bad — plus electrocuting yourself builds character. It’s basically a rite of passage for any aspiring scientist.

Again, I’m not an electrical engineer or a physicist. Because of that, I need to emphasize two points: first, if I use incorrect terminology, please don’t get on my case. Second, if dumb galoot like me can make this work, then so can you!

The device is as as simple as this: stack alternating layers of zinc and copper metal with a salt-water soaked paper towel in between every other layer, then attach wires to ends.

That’s it! Those wires can be connected to a variety of devices, so have at it. What follows from here is more detailed instructions with pictures if you’re so inclined to read on, but ultimately, this device is very simple.