Energy Transfer 101

Compost Bioreactor Design

Grades:

7-12

Unit:

Lesson Number:

Description:

Solar energy is available when the sun shines but energy can be supplemented at night by the release of energy during the composting of organic waste. In this activity, we will experiment with the feasibility of harnessing thermal energy to heat water with...

Energy Content:

Biomass Energy,

Thermal Energy (Heat)

More Details Less Details

Learning Goal(s):

1. Students will research the science of composting and proper maintenance methods to build their own bioreactor. 2. Students will research the proper composition of compost for maximum heat production. 3. Students will transfer the thermal energy in compost to a container of water heat water with by placing a vessel in the middle of the active compost/bioreactor.

Pedagogy & Practice:

Engineering Design,

Group Work/Collaboration,

Hands-on Materials

NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:

3: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations,

4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data,

6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions

Author:

Tami Church

Relevant NGSS PE:

MS-PS3-3,