Beyond Benign
Synthesis and Analysis of Biodiesel
Fossil fuels are non-renewable resources and have become crucial to the livelihood of countless individuals. Young chemists investigate an alternative method of generating energy by performing a series of activities that lead to the...
American Chemical Society
Preparation and Combustion of Biodiesel
The United States is the world's largest producer of biofuel. During an in-class investigation, young scientists produce their own biodiesel. They burn a sample of it to determine the heat of combustion. Then they discuss the results...
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
No Fossils in This Fuel
Yeast and sugar go beyond the pantry and into a fuel experiment. Use these common baking ingredients to assist your class in creating ethanol, a natural fuel. Pupils observe the process and gather information to elaborate on the...
Curated OER
Creating Biodiesel and Mitigating Waste
Biotechnology pros produce their own biofuel using waste oil and fresh vegetable oil. They test the quality of their product using titration techniques and pH analysis. They write their observations and report their findings. Be aware...
Curated OER
Ethanol Fermentation
Biofuel is a possible form of clean and renewable energy. Engineering explorers observe the fermentation process, and then alter the temperature to discover the effect on fermentation. The plan is complete with materials, procedures, and...
Beyond Benign
Climate Change Chemistry
Assist your class with learning the importance of caring for our environment as they complete this fun-filled lesson on climate change. Individuals perform simulations related to greenhouse gases, atmospheric gases, and the overall...
Curated OER
Coco Locomotion
Technology tutees read a description about coconuts and how they are used to make biodiesel fuel. Note that the link to the article does not work, and the article does not appear to be available online. There are, if you look for one,...
Curated OER
BioFuels: The Chemistry and Economics of Alternative Fuels
Junior chemists manufacture biodiesel in the lab. In this exercise, they check the purity of the biodiesel using thin layer chromatography. They also calculate its density and heat of combustion. They are sure to rise to the challenge...
Curated OER
Transportation Fuels: Biodiesel
Students examine biodiesel as a fuel for transportation. For this biodiesel lesson students complete activities using their critical thinking.
Curated OER
Biodiesel: An Alternative Fuel Source
Students explore the advances that are being made in alternative fuels.In this biodiesel lesson students evaluate different petroleum and alternative fuels.
Curated OER
Alternative Energy
Learners discover the different alternative fuel sources. For this biology lesson, students identify the different stages of the carbon cycle. They explain the pros and cons of using alternative energy.
Curated OER
Educator's Tools: Biodiesel Lesson
Students are able to determine whom Rudolf Diesel was. They discover that biodiesel is a renewable fuel. Students can define what renewable means. They get a clear usable defintion of what triglycerides are. Students get to see how...
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Biodiesels: Converting Oil Into Clean Fuel
Experiment making biodiesel from different types of oil and determine which oils give the best result. This science fair project from Science Buddies, although in an abbreviated format compared to other Science Buddies experiments, gives...
University of Wisconsin
The Why Files: Diesel Smells Sweet!
Fess up. Faced with the morning craving for caffeine, do you, with trembling hand, pour that first delicious, nutritious cuppa joe, and then just trasho the soggy coffee grounds?
PBS
Pbs News Hour Extra: Choosing an Automobile, Understanding Alternative Fuels
This lesson plan encourages learners to look at alternative methods of fuel and explore the various impacts each has on the environment.
US Department of Energy
Us Department of Energy: Creating Biofuel and Mitigating Waste [Pdf]
A 36-page lesson plan unit where students create biodiesel from waste and clean vegetable oil, analyze the biodiesel fuel and purify it, as well as create soap from glycerin. They are also asked to prepare a presentation on their work...
Energy for Sustainable Development
Esd Bulgaria: Kids & Energy: Energy Pioneers: Rudolf Diesel (1858 1913)
A profile of Rudolf Diesel, who invented the diesel engine.
US Department of Energy
United States Department of Energy: Biomass Creating Bio Diesel
This detailed chemistry instructional activity from the U.S. Department of Energy focuses on transforming vegetable oil into biodiesel through a process of transesterification. The process described offers a good model for many chemical...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Transportation and the Environment
Looking at transportation and the environment, students learn that some human-made creations, such as vehicles, can harm the environment. They also learn about alternative fuels and vehicles designed by engineers to minimize pollution....
Other
Carbon Footprint: Co2 Reduction: Car Travel: Biodiesel
Learn all about biodiesel fuel and see how using it can help to reduce carbon emissions. You can even see how to make biodiesel fuel yourself!
Other
Texas Wide Open for Business: The Texas Renewable Energy Industry [Pdf]
A 34-page report examining renewable energy sources in use in Texas. It looks at how Texas compares with the rest of the world, the companies investing in the Texas energy industry, the Texas electricity grid, government initiatives,...
US Department of Energy
U.s. Department of Energy: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy: Biodiesel
Find answers from the U.S. Department of Energy to your questions about biodiesel, its blends, and benefits. With additional information that explains how the fuel is made and distributed.
State Energy Conservation Office-Texas
State Energy Conservation Office: Energy Sources: Energy From Urban Waste
Discusses landfill gas recovery programs in Texas and the benefits that this renewable energy resource has for the environment and the economy.
Wikimedia
Wikipedia: Ester
Wikipedia entry for the chemical compound ester. Includes naming conventions, properties, reactions, and the like.