Grassoline - the next gasoline?

Friday Oct 02 2009 1:35 PM

(Photo caption-Michael and Sara from Tacoma discover biofuels in national 4-H experiment.)

Over 2,000 Pierce County youth will join millions across the nation on Oct. 7 to conduct the "Biofuel Blast" experiment. Youth become scientists for the day, discovering how ordinary household products create alternative energy and how fuel powers many of the things we use each day.

In an experiment, youth will combine corn syrup and yeast in a bottle and cover it with a balloon. They will watch as the yeast breaks down the natural sugars in the corn, which releases ethanol and gas that inflate the balloon. They'll have discussions on how plants such as corn, switchgrass, sorghum and algae, can be converted into fuel and how these alternative energies can be used in their own communities.

Twelve-year-old Sara from Tacoma practiced the experiment early and said, "I enjoyed doing the experiment, recording the results, and making a poster of my findings. I plan on researching more about how to become a chemical engineer after doing this experiment."

To combat a national shortage of young people pursuing science college majors and careers, 4-H has a goal to engage one million new young people in science, engineering, and technology programs nationally by 2013.

"4-H knows the value of youth being engaged as explorers of science and engineering," said Brian Brandt, Washington State University 4-H Pierce County faculty. "This experiment allows youth to get hands-on experience in the emerging industry of biofuels. Today's youth will be tomorrow's successful scientists."

The experiment is being conducted at several sites in Pierce County including the YMCA at DeLong Elementary School from 2 - 3 p.m.

WSU Pierce County 4-H is partnering with the following organizations to advance science knowledge with local youth: YMCA of Tacoma Pierce County, Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound, Metro Parks Tacoma SPARX program, Puget Sound Educational Service District, Cascade Christian Schools, Buckley Youth Activities Center, and Eatonville Youth Connections.

4-H is a community of six million young people across America learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. In Pierce County 900 youth take part in 4-H community club programs.

CONTACT: Christina Murray, After School Program coordinator, WSU Pierce County 4-H, at 253-798-3223, or murraychristin@wsu.edu

Find more Pierce County news at www.piercecountywa.org or follow us at twitter.com/pierceco.