Fermentation in a Bag

Lesson Plans

Grades6, 7, 8Chemistry, Biology

Scientist Reviewed

Provided by Wisconsin Energy Institute

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What it is

In this experiment, students will create ethanol through fermentation using a few common ingredients.
Students will use warm water, dry active yeast, and feedstock to create ethanol and CO₂ in a bag and measure the production of gas and ethanol using various tools.
Students can also compare which feedstocks produce more CO₂or ethanol.

Teaching tips

Positives

A video and written instructions make it easy for teachers and students to understand the experiment.
This resource contains a video on measuring fermentation rates without an ethanol probe, allowing many classrooms to perform the activity with few resources.

Additional Prerequisites

This experiment can be extended into a complete lesson on biofuels using the resources at the bottom of the page.
Students should know what ethanol is and its uses.
It may benefit students to first learn about chemical and physical changes.

Differentiation

Before beginning the experiment, the teacher can engage students and assess prior knowledge by reviewing chemical reactions.
This experiment can fit within a larger unit on different types of alternative energy.
This experiment can supplement a classroom discussion on new research related to corn-based ethanol or waste-based biofuels and their economic or environmental aspects.

From the scientist review

This resource from The Wisconsin Energy Institute, the "Fermentation in a Bag" activity, is a hands-on experiment, and can be adapted for various grade levels to compare fermentation levels in feedstocks, which could be converted into biofuels. Additional resources are available to extend learning in the field of fermentation. This resource is recommended for teaching.

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At a glance

Grades: 6, 7, 8
Subjects: Chemistry, Biology
Other types: Videos, Experiments
Format: PDF, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Powerpoint
Language: English
Location: Earth, North America, North America > United States, North America > United States > Wisconsin
Provider: Wisconsin Energy Institute
Authors: Wisconsin Energy Institute
Published: October 11, 2023
Last updated: July 16, 2026
: Reviewed by our climate scientists How we review

Standards alignment · CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.2 + 15 more

Core

Common Core English Language Arts Standards (CCSS.ELA)

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.2Determine a central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions or judgments.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.7Integrate information presented in different media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively) as well as in words to develop a coherent understanding of a topic or issue.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.2Determine a theme or central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions or judgments.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.7.2Determine two or more central ideas in a text and analyze their development over the course of the text; provide an objective summary of the text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.7.2Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text; provide an objective summary of the text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.8.2Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.8.2Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to the characters, setting, and plot; provide an objective summary of the text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.2Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary of the source distinct from prior knowledge or opinions.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.6-8.2Determine the central ideas or conclusions of a text; provide an accurate summary of the text distinct from prior knowledge or opinions.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.3.2Determine the main idea of a text; recount the key details and explain how they support the main idea.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.3.2Recount stories, including fables, folktales, and myths from diverse cultures; determine the central message, lesson, or moral and explain how it is conveyed through key details in the text.

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

MS-PS1-2.Analyze and interpret data on the properties of substances before and after the substances interact to determine if a chemical reaction has occurred.
MS-ESS3-3.Apply scientific principles to design a method for monitoring and minimizing a human impact on the environment.
MS-ETS1-3.Analyze data from tests to determine similarities and differences among several design solutions to identify the best characteristics of each that can be combined into a new solution to better meet the criteria for success.
K-LS1-1.Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.
HS-LS2-3.Construct and revise an explanation based on evidence for the cycling of matter and flow of energy in aerobic and anaerobic conditions.

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