Register with GEF for FREE to enjoy these great benefits! 

    • member only contests and raffles

    • sustainability program news and updates

    • significant discounts at GEF Institute

Note: If you have problems registering, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

JOIN GEF NOW!

Taking a GEF Institute Course? Login by clicking here.

 

 

 

 

 

Join Us

Sign Up for National Green Week!
Please note: Your privacy is very important to GEF. We do not share or sell any of your data.  It is with the sole purpose of providing you with relevant information that GEF will contact you.
Login/SignUp

Welcome to the Sustainability Lesson Clearinghouse

Here, you can find free sustainability lessons to use in your class and upload your own lessons to share. Be sure to rate the lessons you use and leave comments for your colleagues!

All of GEF's lessons and programs are offered at no cost.  Become a member to support GEF and enjoy member only benefits! 
Join button_03

Professional Development

GEFinstitute LOGO_WEB GEF Institute offers affordable, online sustainability courses eligible for professional development or academic credit.
Give your resume a boost!

Sponsor a Teacher

Support educators in your community by helping them earn a Certificate in Sustainability or take an online course. Find out more about sponsorship!
Sustainability Lesson Clearinghouse

Reaction Rates and Catalysts in Ethanol Production

Lesson Description:
Students will have the opportunity to investigate alternative catalysts for the degradation of hydrogen peroxide, which will be used as a model system for the breaking down of cellulose into sugar. after identifying other potential catalysts, students will develop their own research question about catalysts and conduct an additional experiment of their own design to investigate their question.
Sustainability Topic:
  • Other

Time Needed:
5 45 minute class periods
Standards Addressed:
National standards: 9-12
-sec-a: 1.b. design and conduct scientific investigations.
-sec-b: 3.d. a large number of important reactions involve the transfer of electrons or hydrogen ions. in other reactions, chemical bonds are broken by heat or light to form very reactive radicals with electrons ready to form new bonds. radical reactions control many processes such as the presence of ozone and greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, burning and processing of fossil fuels, the formation of polymers, and explosions.
-sec-e: 2.c. creativity, imagination, and a good knowledge base are required in science and engineering.
-sec-e: 2.d. science and technology are pursued for different purposes. scientific inquiry is driven by the desire to understand the natural world, and technological design by the need to meet human need and solve human problems.
Materials Needed:
-three percent hydrogen peroxide
-microwell plates
-pipettes
-manganese dioxide
-a variety of other possible catalysts (
School or Group:
U.s Department of Energy
Contact Email:
Service@greeneducationfoundation.org
Located in: Science

The Sustainability Lesson Clearinghouse is brought to you in partnership with

Center for Green Schools