Promoting Alternative Energy Education in Middle School Science Using An Algae Growth Experiment

Extraction of oil from algae is a renewable energy source unlike non-renewable fossil fuels. In addition, using algae as a fuel source enables capture of carbon dioxide. Since both the issues of renewable energy and carbon capture will face the current generation of middle school students during their lifetime, we seek to raise awareness and educate young students in these areas by working under AIChE's K-12 initiatives. To accomplish these goals, we developed an algae growth experiment that was carried out by students in the sixth grade at W.S. Guy Middle School in Liberty, Ohio. Students, under supervision from their teacher, monitored the effects of varied concentrations of essential algae nutrients on algae growth. Students were required to make use of the scientific method throughout the experiment. Overall feedback from both faculty and students at W.S. Guy is positive, demonstrating that a hands-on experiment is an effective educational tool at the grade school level.