Pump New Life into Classroom Learning with Biofuels is a module with components that can be used in physical science, environmental science and chemistry classes.

Introduction

In 2005, the United States established its first renewable fuel mandate. The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program required 7.5 billion gallons of renewable fuel to be blended into gasoline by 2012. The RFS program has since expanded to include biodiesel fuel and to increase the amount to 36 billion  gallons by 2022. A renewable fuel is one that is derived from a non-petroleum source. Research  currently focuses on producing fuel from various crops (soybean, sunflower, canola), animal waste (pig manure) or municipal solid waste from a landfill. Scientists estimate that fossil fuel supplies will be depleted in the next 50 – 120 years. Over the past 10 years, the US has spent $6.8 billion dollars on renewable energy research (Congressional Research Service report, Renewable Energy R&D Funding History: A Comparison with Funding for Nuclear Energy, Fossil Energy, and Energy Efficiency R&D, March 2012).

The lessons in this module are designed to teach thermochemistry to introductory chemistry students in the context of biodiesel production. The biodiesel link gives them an application of the thermochemical equations and calorimetry experiments that are typically taught during a first-year course. In addition, students will use environmental science, economics and energy analyses to determine whether biodiesel is sustainable and a good idea. This evaluation allows students to make an informed decision after studying the big picture. With petroleum fuel supplies running low, and the interest in greenhouse gases and global warming on the rise, alternative fuels are important for all people.  The entire module lesson plan is below.

 

Learning Goals

In this module students will
  • Practice solving thermochemical problems.
  • Produce biodiesel in a small-scale laboratory experiment.
  • Analyze the quality of the prepared biodiesel.
  • Compare and evaluate the usefulness of alternative fuel sources.

The complete unit lesson plan is below.  Individual lesson plans are located on the "Activities" page.
lesson plan.docx lesson plan.docx
Size : 45.187 Kb
Type : docx

 

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