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Go Green by Growing Green: How to Extract Energy from Grass

Go Green by Growing Green: How to Extract Energy from Grass
Contributors
Science Buddies
Non-profit organization offering free STEM resources for hands-on learning | Science Buddies
Two hands in clear container with water and grass
Summary
Mowing the lawn is hard work, especially on a warm day. Not only do you have to mow the grass, but you also have to dispose of the clippings. Some people add the clippings to a compost pile in their yard, which is a great idea. But did you know that some grasses can be used as a source of energy? In this energy science fair project, you will learn more about a type of energy called biomass energy. You will grow different kinds of grasses and see which type of grass gives you the most biomass, and which will produce the most energy.

This project idea was developed and written by Michelle Maranowski, PhD, Science Buddies. This project is based on Renewable Energy Activities: Choices for Tomorrow from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

Science Buddies Staff. "Go Green by Growing Green: How to Extract Energy from Grass." Science Buddies, 30 Mar. 2022, https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/Energy_p034/energy-power/how-to-extract-energy-from-grass.
Keywords
STEM
Chemistry Education
Energy Science Fair Project
Hands-on Learning
Grass
Biomass
Alternative Energy
Renewable Energy
Fossil Fuel

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Moderation state
Published
Object Type
Laboratory experiment
Activities/Technology (e.g., in-class activities, online games, hands-on activities/manipulatives, outreach, virtual tools, etc.)
Audience
Middle School
High School (Secondary School)
Published on
Green Chemistry Principles
Waste Prevention
Design for Energy Efficiency
Use of Renewable Feedstocks
U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Affordable and Clean Energy
Learning Goals/Student Objectives
To grow three different types of grasses and then determine which grass produces the most biomass and therefore, will produce the most energy.
Common pedagogies covered
Hands-on learning
Time required (if applicable)
Very Long (1+ months)

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Science Buddies
Safety Precautions, Hazards, and Risk Assessment
If making your own flower pots out of cartons, use caution when using the scissors to cut the cartons in half. Adult supervision is recommended.
Teacher Recommendations or Piloting Data (if available)
N/A
Link to external
Science Buddies: Go Green by Growing Green: How to Extract Energy from Grass
Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.