Biomass: Nature's Most Flexible Energy Resource

Begin with a reading passage, questions, and vocabulary, then dive into the topic of biomass. Physical science neophytes perform a laboratory activity in which an entire ear of corn is weighed. The edible portion removed leaving husk and cob to be weighed again. The percentage of corn that is inedible, i.e. the portion available to convert into energy, is calculated. The class discusses their results and the potential for putting this waste product to use.