From Wastewater to Clean Energy: How Microbes Help Save Our Planet!

A colorful educational graphic shows three cartoon scenes of children brushing their teeth and taking a bath. Arrows lead from these activities to a pipe releasing wastewater, then to illustrated microbes, and finally to a green battery symbol representing clean energy. The text reads “What Happens to Our Water?” and “Microbes can turn wastewater into clean energy!”
Overview

This video is part of the ElectroAD project, supported by the Marie Skłodowska Curie Actions (MSCA) program, and it aims to inspire young minds, especially girls, to explore science and engineering. In this short introduction, viewers learn how wastewater, microbes, and clean energy research come together to support a more sustainable planet. As the video explains, microbes play a central role in turning waste into usable energy, and they offer a powerful example of how biology and engineering intersect.

 

💡 What’s inside?

🔬 Discover how tiny microbes transform wastewater into clean energy.

🌱 Explore anaerobic digestion and see how it helps reduce pollution.

👩‍🔬 Meet inspiring women scientists and learn how YOU can become one too.

🎈 Try a fun science experiment at home to create your own biogas.

 

View full video below:

Also available on YouTube

 

💙 Acknowledgments:

📌 Supported by the Marie Skłodowska Curie Actions (MSCA) program (101103499)

📍 Coordinator: University of Galway 🔬 Researcher: Dr. Qidong Yin

🎓 Supervisor: Dr. Guangxue Wu

📩 Contact: [email protected]

How do you use it? 
Introduce the Topic

Use the video at the start of a lesson to introduce environmental engineering. It gives students a quick look at wastewater, microbes, and clean energy.

Guide Discussion

After viewing, lead a short discussion about the concepts in the video. Students can talk about how microbes help create clean energy and why this matters for the environment.

Support Hands‑On Learning

The video pairs well with a simple biogas experiment. Students can try the activity at home or in class to see the process in action.

Why do you like it?

Aligns with the Mission

The video aligns closely with TryEngineering’s mission to inspire and educate the next generation of engineers. It supports early STEM engagement and encourages students to explore engineering pathways.

Engaging and Informative

The resource offers an engaging and informative exploration of environmental engineering concepts. It presents complex topics in a way that young students can understand and enjoy.

Accessible for Young Learners

The video makes environmental engineering accessible and entertaining for school‑aged children. It helps spark curiosity and encourages interest in STEM fields.

Supports STEM Inspiration

The resource aims to inspire future innovators. It provides a clear and motivating introduction to engineering ideas that connect directly to real environmental challenges.

Target Audience

  • Student Ages 5-10

Resource Creator: Qidong Yin

At the time of this submission, Qidong Yin is a researcher at the University of Galway. According to the author, the video was created using Canvas.