NATIONAL YOUTH SCIENCE DAY

Background
Biofuels are renewable sources of energy obtained from recently harvested plant materials, and they are at the forefront in the discussion of alternative energy sources. Currently our nation relies on fossil fuels, which are non-renewable energy sources that take millions of years to form and release large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. There are various biofuel options in each region of the country (find your region on the map to the right). In each state, land-grant colleges and universities help youth learn about the wide variety of possible biofuel ingredients.

The Experiment
Make your own biofuel
Renewable energy sources like biofuels are constantly making headlines in the news today. This experiment explores the production of the biofuel ethanol. It is typically made in the US by converting the starches from corn kernels into the sugars in corn syrup, and then adding yeast to break down the sugars, which releases carbon dioxide and ethanol as byproducts. The ethanol is blended with gasoline and then sold at some gas stations. There you might see a sign at the pump that says “E10,” which means 10 percent ethanol and 90 percent gasoline.
Atlantic County 4-H is scheduled to work with students at the Richmond Avenue and Uptown Complex Schools on Wednesday, October 7th. If you or your school would like to participate, please contact Debi Cole, dcole@njaes.rutgers.edu,  or Kendrin Dyitt, dyitt@njaes.rutgers.edu, or calling 609.625.0056

Discuss and share results
In this experiment, see firsthand how this biofuel is produced and build skills in designing science experiments and taking measurements. After the experiment, share data online with fellow young scientists. The experiment also shows that yeast doesn’t break down the cellulose in other plants as well as sugars from corn. Scientists are currently working on this issue developing ways to efficiently process cellulose from other plant products for use in biofuel production.

Find out more by visiting https://www.4-h.org/NYSD/