From trash to gas
Introduction
Often, when we think of a renewable energy source, the first thing that comes to mind is the sun, the wind, or even water. But did you know that some of the garbage from your kitchen trash has the potential to create energy? Decaying food waste can become a source of renewable power. When organic matter (plant and animal residue) begins to break down or rot, two gases are created: carbon dioxide and methane.
These gases are called biogas and are a renewable energy source. Let’s track the biogas created by bananas, lettuce, onions, orange peels, and blueberries. We will essentially allow these food items to decompose over one week, and then collect the biogas in a controlled environment: a plastic water bottle and balloon.
Objectives
- To investigate the process of biogas production from organic waste, understanding its role in renewable energy and environmental sustainability.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this learning scenario, students will be able to:
- Explain the concept of anaerobic decomposition and its role in biogas production.
- Identify the types of organic waste that are most effective for biogas generation.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of sustainable energy and waste management.
- Apply scientific methods to observe, record, and analyze experimental data related to biogas production.
- Reflect on the implications of biogas technology for renewable energy and environmental sustainability.
