Reaction Rates and Catalysts in Ethanol Production

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. This lesson involves a system similar to one used in the production of ethanol, and it also gives students the opportunity to conduct research in a manner similar to that of research scientists.