Lesson

Generating Methane from Waste

Lesson Overview

Upon completing this lesson, the students will:

• Learn how methane digesters turn waste into usable gases and other fuels;

• Understand the energy-producing potential of some solid wastes; and

• Examine some systems of generating methane from waste.

Duration
Multiple days
Lesson Type
Traditional Lesson

Essential Question

1. How does methane gas affect the environment? (Increased methane in the atmosphere contributes to the greenhouse effect that leads to global warming.)

2. What kinds of waste can be converted into usable energy? (e.g., food scraps, manure, crops, wood)