- A UK team has made a soil battery device.
- It uses tiny bacteria living in the soil.
- The bacteria make electrons and so produce energy.
- The battery can make and store electricity itself.
- Farmers can use it to power field sensors.
- The device removes the need for long power cables.
- It works best where the soil is wet or flooded.
- The makers say it can last many years.
- It is low cost and easy to install.
Difficult words
- bacterium — a very small living thing in soilbacteria
- electron — a very small particle with electric chargeelectrons
- device — a thing made to do a useful job
- store — keep energy or things for later use
- sensor — a tool that finds or measures changessensors
- flooded — covered with a lot of water
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Would you like this battery on a farm?
- Do you have wet or flooded soil near your home?
- Where would you use a small battery like this?
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