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Here are some great resources to continue learning more about biofuels and other great things going in today’s science world.

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How are cellulose crops used for biofuels?

Even though there are lots of sugars inside the dried leaves and wood chips used in advanced versions of the National Science Experiment, you may find that the result isn’t as dramatic as when using the corn syrup, which is full of sugars. Why are the results different? Because the yeast alone cannot directly digest the leaves and wood to get energy and release carbon dioxide and biofuels. In order for this to happen, first the cellulose in the leaves and wood needs to be broken down into tinier parts before the yeast is able to eat it and produce the reaction.

Currently, it is much harder, and therefore more expensive, to break up the cellulose in biomass like wood chips or dried grass than it is to convert the starches inside corn kernels to corn syrup for yeast to eat to make biofuels. In order to expand the number of viable alternative fuel options, scientists are working on ways to make it easier to break up the cellulose in the other crops you saw on the U.S. map of potential new biofuels by region, so that they can also be used to make biofuels to power our cars. See a diagram of the process of how biomass is converted into ethanol.

Biofuel Resources:

Department of Energy
The Energy and the Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles Data Center (AFDC) is sponsored by the Department of Energy and distributes data, publications, tools and information related to advanced transportation technologies.

The Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center
The Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC) does extensive research that generates technology for converting biomass to biofuel. The GLBRC performs cutting edge research, evaluates economic and environmental impact of these technologies, provides training and much more.

Take the Bioenergy Quiz!
How much do you know about bioenergy? Find out by testing your knowledge with the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center Quiz.

Myths and Facts about Biofuels
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) dispels common myths and produces useful facts about alternative energy and biofuels.

How is Corn Syrup Made?
Find out about the process of making this sugary substance. From cleaning the corn to syrup conversion, become an expert on how to make corn syrup.

How Do Biofuels and Bioenergy Affect Your Life?
Explore several ways to bring biomass energy into your everyday life. Learn more about biofuels, biopower, bioproducts, and other ways to utilize bioenergy.

DuPont’s Biofuel Development Efforts
DuPont is developing technology to produce ethanol from cellulosic feedstocks. The ethanol will be 100% renewably sourced from corn stover or the entire corn plant. In the future, switchgrass, straw, grasses or wood chips could be potential feedstocks for this technology process.

4-H, Land-Grant Universities and Cooperative Extension at Work:

The Power of the Wind
Learn about other renewable energies – like wind! The Power of the Wind Curriculum is part of the National 4-H Curriculum Collection and is designed for middle school aged youth to learn about the wind and its uses.

Video: A 4-H’er in action with biofuels
Will Wright, a young farmer and 4-H’er, uses the crops he grows to produce biodiesel that he uses to power his farm. Listen to his story and how he is working to create a cleaner, more efficient farm.

Wisconsin Bioenergy Initiative
The Wisconsin Bioenergy Initiative (WBI) is a university-based group of scientists and professionals working to help bring bioenergy solutions to Wisconsin. WBI brings bioenergy research, education and outreach to the public through collaborations with academia, businesses, governmental and non-governmental organizations.

The UW-Extension Bio-energy and Bio-economy Team
These University of Wisconsin Extension teams provide resources, public education, and networking opportunities for Extension Specialists so they can then work with communities, residents and farmers to evaluate opportunities for creating a sustainable bioeconomy.

The Institute for Massachusetts Biofuel Research
Experts at the Institute for Massachusetts Biofuel Research develop cost-effective technologies for producing ethanol, alternative fuels, and value-added materials from biomass.

Video: University of Massachusetts—Amherst researchers featured on Forbes.com
Researchers are working on developing processes that convert non-food sources of biomass into alternative fuels.

Biofuel Research from the University of California
Find out more about what the University of California is doing to advance the field of biofuel research and development.