|
| Select Framework:
|
|
| Select Grade: | |
 |
| Loading...This may take few minutes. |
|
|
Title
|
Biofuels: Into the Woods
|
|
Type
|
Primary: Laboratory
|
|
Operation
|
Infinite Potential
|
|
Mission:
|
Mission 4: Energy Independence
|
|
Print Page
|
81
|
|
Subjects
|
Life science | Plants | Science as inquiry | Science process skills | Observing | Science
|
|
Grades
|
5 | 6 | 7 | 8
|
|
Keywords
|
organisms, source, protein, enzyme, conversion, convert, cellulose, starch, simple sugar, ethanol, satellite, habitat, cellulose-consuming, observe, record, consumption, plant, decompose, forest, field, grassland
|
|
Duration
|
03:00:00 (HH:MM:SS)
|
|
Audience
|
Teachers | Elementary Grades | Junior High
|
|
|
Created On
|
4/28/2009
|
|
Copyright
|
Forest photo: Ian Martin, NGS; Wood photo: Peter Haydock, The JASON Project
|
 |
From: Infinite Potential Mission 4: Energy Independence (pp: 81) |
 |
|
|
Biofuels: Into the Woods In this activity, you will use satellite imagery to identify a local habitat that may support various cellulose-consuming organisms. You will plan a field trip to this habitat to study and develop a species list of organisms as you observe and record evidence of cellulose consumption. |
|
|
In the field, Dr. Keller studies and collects various organisms. These organisms are the source of special proteins called enzymes. The enzymes that Dr. Keller seeks are those that play a role in the conversion of cellulose into starch and simple sugars to make ethanol. In this activity, you will use satellite imagery to identify a local habitat that may support various cellulose-consuming organisms. You will plan a field trip to this habitat to study and develop a species list of organisms as you observe and record evidence of cellulose consumption.
 | Caution!
Review safety precautions for field work with your instructor before beginning this lab. |
|
| Materials |
- Lab 3 Data Sheet
- computer with Internet access and Google Earth™ installed
- field guides
| - field glasses
- digital camera
- hand lens
| |
|
| Lab Prep |
- Research and create a list of local plants and organisms that feed on those plants. In what location and habitat would you expect to find each of these organisms? What evidence would support their presence and cellulose-eating behavior?
- Launch Google EarthTM to explore the geography of your local surroundings. Identify any nearby forested areas, fields, grasslands, or other habitats that might support organisms that feed upon cellulose. From the list above, what organisms do you expect to find in these locations?
- With your instructor, plan a field trip to your selected habitats for the purpose of locating evidence of organisms that obtain nutrients from cellulose.
|
|
| Make Observations |
- At the site, update your map with features that are different from the satellite images. Plot the locations of the larger and dominant plants. Use a field guide to help you better identify all specimens encountered.
- Throughout your trip, record and take pictures of the habitats.
- Examine fallen trees and decaying stumps, leaves, or soft plant parts for evidence that suggests that this biomass is being consumed by animals or broken down by decomposers.
- What clues might lead to the consumer’s or decomposer’s identity?
- Back in the classroom, compare and contrast the species lists compiled by the different teams. Address any differences.
- Based upon your investigation, what local species could be further studied to learn more about cellulose digestion and metabolism? Support your choices.
 | Journal Question
Some biologists believe that the Endangered Species Act should protect the smallest organisms such as bacteria and fungi. Justify this position with respect to alternative energy resources such as biofuels. | |
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
|