Scientech AG10 Microbial Fuel Cell Trainer presents an exciting, emerging technology for generating
electricity that is clean and reliable. In this module students will learn how electricity is produced by
certain bacteria during their natural metabolic process and how a microbial fuel cell works.

Microbes are the engines that drive this process the microbial fuel cell utilizes this remarkable ability
by providing soil-based microbes with two conductive carbon fiber mat discs, called the anode and
cathode. The anode is placed within the soil where the electron-generating microbes can grow, while
the cathode is placed on top exposing it to oxygen in the air.

Although we cannot see them with the naked eye, with bodies one-tenth the thickness of a human
hair, micro-organisms or “microbes” live throughout virtually all dirt and sediment on the planet.
Among these diverse communities of microbes are particular species that have the unique ability to
release electrons outside their own bodies. The reading material and lab activities help provide
concrete learning opportunities for abstract concepts. Students with minimal background
knowledge in microbiology and electricity can also perform these activities.