Waste not, want not! Science scholars explore manure as an alternative energy source through reading and experimentation. Groups construct their own biofuel digesters and observe the process of methane production. The teacher's guide contains tips for implementing the instructional activity, as well as all of the required printable materials.

Concepts

anaerobic respiration, archaea, methane, biofuels, combustion, decomposition, decomposers, alternative energy sources, experimental design

Show More Show Less

Additional Tags

science

Show More Show Less

Instructional Ideas

• Give learners a grade for both the group presentation and their experimental designs
• Challenge the class to discover more biofuel sources with a research project

Classroom Considerations

• Decide ahead of time how long the class will observe the experiment, as the bottles must sit for four to five days before observations begin
• Check the bottles daily to ensure they are not in danger of bursting from gas pressure—avoid a manure mess!
  

Pros

• The lesson contains plenty of resources for tailoring it to your class' needs
• Concept is very engaging and gives students something to look forward to each day as they check on their biofuel bottles

Cons

• None

Common Core

RST.9-10.2 RST.11-12.2