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Through an engineered system called a microbial fuel cell, electricity can be generated as soils decompose naturally through the action of microbes. This grant award was used to purchase three dozen MudWatts® and a similar number of Electronic Learning Labs® to provide our STEM students with an integrated, self-guided learning experience with a clear problem to solve: generate enough power to charge a cell phone battery.

First, students had to unravel the biochemistry to find ways to boost internal resistance within the MudWatt® fuel cell. They then had to design an electrical circuit to store and distribute the electricity to a battery. Students learned how this low-voltage but naturally abundant and "green" energy source can be taken to locations off the grid and at least marginally raise one's standard of living with simple electronic devices.