Optimization of the Microbial Fuel Cell for Use in Novel STEM Pedagogy

STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education has begun to rely on novel techniques and technologies as pedagogical tools to facilitate hands-on learning. One of these emerging technologies is the microbial fuel cell; a battery powered by the metabolic activity of common soil bacteria. This project tests the key factors that can affect a microbial fuel cell’s capacity for power generation, including the microbial community present in soil samples, the addition of isolated electrogenic bacterial strains, and the availability of oxidizable, carbon-rich nutrients. These factors come together to suggest a novel application for Shewanella species of electrogenic bacteria in optimizing the design of a simple, efficient single chamber microbial fuel cell. As a result of this optimization, the microbial fuel cell can be employed easily and consistently in a classroom setting. This project also includes lesson plans for implementing the microbial fuel cell as a tool for model- and problem-based learning in elementary through advanced high school science classes while satisfying the New York State Common Core standards for science education