Creating Biodiesel & Mitigating Waste
Description
This exercise introduces students to the concept of alternative fuels, and gives them an opportunity to produce their own biodiesel fuel using an analytical approach. The text of the exercise gives students a brief background in the environmental benefits of using biodiesel as a diesel substitute. The lab portion of this exercise demonstrates the basic chemistry involved in making biodiesel from vegetable oils and waste oils.
Time Required: 3 hours
Language: English
Learning Objectives
Students participating in this activity are expected to learn the following:
-The definition of a renewable fuel
-How the substitution of biodiesel fuel for petroleum diesel benefits the environment
-How biodiesel fuel is made from waste vegetable oil
-How this fuel-making process can be adjusted to utilize waste oils from different sources, and the chemical analyses necessary to determine oil quality
-How to assess the finished products from the biodiesel reaction
-How issues of waste stream management can be addressed in an environmentally responsible way
Teachers Notes
Detailed lab instructions and handouts are included in the attached lesson plan.
Other Tools
Lab Materials are listed on page 6 and 10 of the attached lesson plan.
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Source:US Department of Energy
Resource Type:Lesson Plan
Subject(s):Science, Environmental Science,
Topic:Energy Generation, Recycling and Waste Management, Renewable Energy,
Level:Secondary
Grade: 9 10 11 12
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Comments
"A very detailed lesson on creating your own biodiesel. There are some safety cautions that need to be followed." (Posted By: Kathy Worobec)
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