A nonprofit organization dedicated to bettering the world through algae enlightened Sleepy Eye St. Mary’s High School science students recently.

Teacher Mary Beth Botz said she learned about the Algae Academy, a free introductory course on basic algae biology, from a teacher friend.

The free program — including $800 worth of lab equipment provided by the Algae Foundation — allows students to work as phycologists (algae researchers), completing a week-long program growing, researching and comparing data collected from independent experiments.

Students grew algae, developed experiments, measured growth, analyzed data and learned new aspects of the wonder plant.

Staff photo by Fritz Busch New Ulm certified public accountant and Algae Foundation Board member Thomas Byrne displays a number of products containing algae. They include shampoo, soup, shoe soles and Omega 3 supplements, among other things.

On the first day of the program, students were introduced to algae and searched for algae ingredients in familiar products.

Students next grew algae in tubes and used Secci sticks — used to measure water transparency or turbidity in bodies of water — and estimated initial biomass (plant-based material used as fuel to produce heat or electricity).

On the third day, students microscopically examined algae species and used dichotomous keys (statements with two choices leading to correct identification).

Students then used Secchi sticks and biomass estimators to calculate growth rates and used a spectrophotometer (light absorption measurement) for a more accurate biomass indication using optical density.

Using real Algae Academy data, students learned how seasons impact algae growth and biomass impact.

Final lab work included experimental algae growth estimations and data supported claims, evidence and reasoning.

Botz said students were impressed after hearing Algae Foundation board member Thomas Byrne of New Ulm talk about the business side of the algae industry.

She said Byrne spoke to the class on the commercial impact algae has in the U.S. and world, and brought along a wide variety of products containing algae by product or are made from the algae itself.

“Students benefited from exposure to new ideas, creative innovations using algae and alternative energy sources that help reduce climate change,” said Botz.

The Algae Academy operates under The Algae Foundation to inform students and the community about the many benefits of algae.

Since its start in 2016, the Algae Academy has been facilitated by over 650 teachers and has reached over 75,000 students.

It also launched the Algae Technology Educational Consortium (ATEC) project, recognizing algal production will provide a sustainable source of biomass for bio-based products, feed, fuel and foods creating high quality jobs for an educated workforce.

“I usually reserve that for chemistry and upper-level elective classes,” said Botz.

“Students were impressed with Mr. Byrnes presentation of the business side of the algae industry,” Botz said. “They benefitted from exposure to new ideas, creative innovations using something as ordinary as algae, and alternate energy sources that help to to mitigate climate change.”

For more information, visit algaebiomass.org and look for more stories on algae in upcoming issues of The Journal.

(Fritz Busch can be emailed at fbusch@nujournal.com).