Grade Levels:
4-6
Questions:
Can you produce a gas from decaying garbage?
Can you control the amount of gas produced from decaying garbage?
Possible Hypotheses:
A gas is/is not produced when garbage decays.
The amount of gas from decaying garbage can/can not be controlled.
Materials:
Packet of dried peas or beans
Six airtight clear plastic bags
Water
Procedure:
- Soak the beans or peas in water overnight.
- Place 10 beans or peas into each bag and squeeze out all the air before you seal them.
- Put two bags in a warm sunny place, two bags in a warm shady place, and two bags in a totally dark place for a week and observe what happens. Record your observations.
Analysis and Conclusion:
Did the decaying beans produce a gas? Which environment was best for producing gas? Do you think the gas could be used as a source of energy? Why and how?
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Reprinted with the permission of the NEED Project. © 2008 National Energy Education Development Project - All Rights Reserved.
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