Last week in lab we made mini-biodigesters. The students got a good theory introduction to biodigesters from Victor and then we set about building out own. We got fresh cow manure, mixed it with water and loaded it into the contraption in the pictures and now we sit and wait for them to digest. While each individual digester won't produce enough methane to really be useful, the purpose of the lab was to learn the basics of how biodigestion works and see it in action. We'll let them sit for three weeks and then try to harvest some of the methane!
This week we explored solar cells with help from Jim Bales of the Edgerton Center. We had 4 variously sized solar panels on hand, a slew of multimeters and some high power lamps (it was unfortunately raining outside). The students got a good taste for the possible power outputs from the cells and more practice using the multimeters. It was fun and a lot less dirty than last week!