Lessons

Microbial electrochemistry, one model at a time

Thirteen interactive lessons, from middle school to graduate research: three or four for each level. Every lesson is built around a microbial electrochemical system (MES) model you can open in the lab. Each one has a diagram, key concepts, a prediction to test, and a short check. Pick a level and a lesson, or follow a daily, weekly or monthly plan.

Ages 11–14

Middle school

Stories, pictures and simple questions about how bacteria make electricity or use it.

3 lessons · 115 minutes of lessons

Across all lessons: 0 of 153 answered correctly

Schematic illustrations, not to scale. They show the idea of each lesson, not measured data.

Lesson 1Foundation

Some bacteria in lake mud can run a sensor with no battery and no plug.

35 minModel: Benthic Microbial Fuel Cell

Progress for this lesson: 0 of 11 correct

Lesson 2Foundation

Algae turn sunlight into oxygen, and that oxygen helps a battery work.

40 minModel: Algae-Powered Bioremediation MFC

Progress for this lesson: 0 of 11 correct

Lesson 3Core

Bacteria can help make hydrogen, a clean fuel, if we give them a small push.

40 minModel: Dual-Chamber Microbial Electrolysis Cell

Progress for this lesson: 0 of 12 correct

Lesson plan

Plans are written for a teacher or a self-study learner. Daily sessions run 45 minutes. Weekly and monthly plans can be stretched or compressed to fit a term.

DayFocusActivityOutcome
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