Biomass Vocabulary
Bioenergy: The energy of living things; energy that is obtained from biofuel
Biofuel: Any fuel obtained from biomass
Biogas: Biofuel in the form of gas. Biogas can be produced from materials such as
roasted wood, sewage, or waste
Biomass: plants, animal wastes, and all other forms of matter that come from living
things, which can be burned to release energy
Carbohydrates: Quick‑energy foods, such as sugar, made largely of carbon and
water
Charcoal: A fuel produced by burning wood with a restricted air supply
Combustion: The process of burning. Combustion produces energy in the form of
heat and light
Digester: A tank in which organic wastes are stored to produce methane
Fermentation: The conversion of sugar to alcohol by the action of yeast
Fossil fuels: fuel formed over millions of years by buried plant and animal remains.
As the remains are buried deeper over time, heat and pressure transform them into
fossil fuels such as coal, oil, or natural gas.
Gasification: Producing biogas by heating wood under pressure
Gasohol: A mixture of gasoline and alcohol
Methane: (natural gas) A flammable gas produced by the decaying of organic matter
Organic: Derived from living matter, whether animal or plant
Background information
Combustible materials are used to produce energy in several different ways. Combustion is used to produce heat, either for direct use in homes or businesses or to transform water into steam to run steam generators. Combustion of fossil fuels provides the U.S. with about 90 percent of its energy needs. However, fossil fuels are nonrenewable energy sources, taking millions of years to form. Combustion of biomass is one of the oldest methods to produce energy. Wood is one of the main forms of biomass used. Other forms of combustible biomass include corn husks, fibers of sugar cane, sunflowers, seaweed, and dried animal waste. The primary advantage to using biomass as an energy source is that it is renewable. Biomass fuels can be continually grown for more energy.
Lesson ‑ The Energy Inside a Peanut
Focus: Conversion of biomass into energy
Objective: Students will learn how biomass is used as a renewable energy source
‑ Students will learn the strengths and weaknesses of this energy source
Teaching the lesson:
A. Introduction
Just about everything has potential energy stored in it. The problem is releasing
that energy to be able to do some work. A tiny peanut contains stored chemical
B. Experimentation
1. Carefully push the eye of the needle into the smaller end of the cork.
2. The gently push the pointed end of the needle into a peanut. If you push too hard the peanut will break in pieces. If it does, use another peanut. It's also better to have the peanut at a slight angle.
3. Remove the two ends of the large juice can with the can opener. Be careful as
the top's and bottom's edge can be sharp!
4. Using the hammer and nail, have an adult punch holes around the bottom of the
large can. These are air holes that will make the can act like a chimney and will
contain the heat energy focusing it on the smaller can.
5. Remove the top end of the small can (if it is not already removed).
6. Using the hammer and nail, punch two holes near the top of the small can
exactly opposite each other.
7. Slide the BBQ skewer through the holes of the small can.
8. Pour 1/2 cup of water into the small can and let it sit for an hour. This will allow the water to be heated or cooled to room temperature. (Munch on some peanuts while you're waiting.)
9. Put the thermometer into the water and record the temperature on your paper.
10. Place the cork and peanut on a nonflammable surface. Light the peanut with a match or lighter. Have an adult help you! Sometimes the peanut can be difficult to light, so the lighter may be easier to use.
11. As soon as the peanut has caught fire, immediately place the large can around
the nut. Balance the skewer holding the small can on the top of the large can.
12. Allow the nut to burn for several minutes or until it goes out.
13. Stir the water with the thermometer and record the temperature again.
C. Explanation
Peanuts are not actually nuts, but seeds. Peanuts contain protein, fats, and carbohydrates. Fats and carbohydrates are the major sources of energy for plants and animals. When the peanut burns in this experiment, the stored energy in fats and carbohydrates is released as light and heat energy through combustion. Eating peanuts releases the carbohydrates and fats to fuel your body. the energy stored within the peanut actually came from the sun. Green plants absorb solar energy and use it in photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, carbon dioxide and water are combined with energy from the sun to form glucose. Glucose is a simple sugar that is a type of carbohydrate. Glucose is important to the plant because it is used for growth and energy. Photosynthesis is the way in which all green plants make their energy, and ultimately, all the food energy on earth. All animals and nongreen plants use the stored energy from green plants to survive. Oil from the nuts and seeds of plants is another important source of fuel. The oil can be used as a motor fuel in some engines, such as modified diesel cars and trucks.
D. Evaluation
Ask students to identify some benefits of using biomass as an energy source, as well as problems with it. (Benefits: renewable, less damage to the environment through obtaining materials ‑ no mining. Problems: releases carbon dioxide, over-harvesting may degrade environment ‑ deforestation.)
TEKS:
(3.2) Scientific processes: The student uses scientific inquiry methods during field
and laboratory investigations
(B) collect information by observing and measuring
Acknowledgements: Energy Quest ‑ California rgy.ca.gov/education