Powering the Future with Alternative Fuels Workshop

Presented by the GENIUS Program at Metropolitan Preparatory Academy.

Fuel the green revolution as this intensive blends biotech with sustainable energy!

Powering the Future with Alternative Fuels is an exciting full-day dive into converting biomass into renewable fuels using enzymes. In Metro Prep’s GENIUS biotechnology lab, participants hydrolyze cellulose, assay activities, and optimize processes to model industrial bioenergy production.

Students experiment with enzymatic breakdowns, colorimetric assays, and condition tweaks while gaining chemistry and engineering insights for a sustainable future. Developed by Metro Prep’s GENIUS Biotechnology Program, this session features Toronto’s premier high school biotech setup, including spectrophotometers, incubators, and enzyme kits.

No prior knowledge required. Bring your eco-passion and experimental spirit and we’ll gear you up for biofuel innovation.

Details & Registration

Available Sessions

Spaces are limited and filling fast. Register now to secure your spot!

Sun, Aug 23, 2026 $395 Register

Develop Sustainable Energy Solutions

Enzyme Kinetics

Understanding catalytic cycles and biochemical principles of enzymes.

Biomass Conversion

The biochemistry of breaking down cellulose and hemicellulose.

Bioenergetics

The role of renewable feedstocks in carbon-neutral energy cycles.

Qualitative Colorimetry

Principles of light absorption and solute concentration.

Laboratory Modules and Techniques Covered

Biocatalysis

Students execute enzyme-catalyzed hydrolysis reactions using lignocellulosic substrates.

Enzyme Activity Analysis

Participants measure reaction outcomes using colorimetric or spectrophotometric methods.

Parameter Optimization

Students evaluate the influence of thermodynamic and chemical variables on reaction velocity.

Learning Objectives

Perform enzyme-catalyzed reactions and implement proper experimental controls.
Measure and analyze reaction outcomes using quantitative and qualitative techniques.
Interpret kinetic data to evaluate enzymatic efficiency.
Relate laboratory results to real-world biofuel production and alternative energy strategies.

Sample Schedule

Ready to get started?

Spaces are limited. Register now to secure your spot!

Frequently asked questions

Is this workshop suitable for students with no science background?

Absolutely. While an interest in science is helpful, no prior laboratory experience or advanced biology knowledge is required. Our instructors guide students step-by-step through each technique, explaining the scientific concepts in an accessible and engaging way.

What does my child need to bring?

Students should bring a packed lunch (for full-day workshops), a water bottle, and a notebook for taking notes. All laboratory equipment, safety gear, reagents, and materials are provided. Students will wear lab coats and safety goggles supplied by Metro Prep.

Where is the workshop held and how do I get there?

All workshops take place at Metro Prep’s GENIUS Biotechnology Laboratory in midtown Toronto (North York). The facility is easily accessible by TTC (subway and bus routes nearby) and offers street parking for drop-off and pick-up. Detailed directions will be provided upon registration.

Are the materials safe to handle?

Yes. While students use professional equipment, all biological materials are non-pathogenic and safe for educational use. Students are trained in proper safety protocols, including the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) like gloves and safety goggles, which are provided.

How does this workshop connect to climate change and sustainability?

Students explore how biotechnology can help solve energy challenges by converting plant biomass into renewable fuels. They investigate enzyme-driven reactions that break down cellulose and optimize conditions for biofuel production, connecting lab work to real-world environmental solutions.