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 synthesis of biodiesel. They determine properties of cooking oils, synthesize biodiesel, analyze the energy produced from their creation, and assess whether this alternate fuel source has the capacity to power a vehicle in today's society. 

Concepts

stoichiometry, synthesis reactions, biodiesel, matter, states of matter, molecular compounds, chemical compounds, density

Show More Show Less

Additional Tags

science

Show More Show Less

Instructional Ideas

• Perform this activity over the course of one week, allowing learners to be assessed after each segment and upon completion
• Allow pupils to brainstorm how information learned from this lesson will potentially have future effects on the environment for their children and grandchildren

Classroom Considerations

• Note which pages are intended for students and which are meant for teachers to avoid handing out worksheets with answer keys

Pros

• Ability to perform lessons and assessments in segments
• Answer key contains all information and steps taken to generate correct responses

Cons

• None

Common Core

WHST.9-10.2.a WHST.11-12.2.a