Biofuels by Liz Smith

Biofuels are a controversial topic for various economic and environmental reasons. However, they have been used as a substitute for other fuels for over a century. Ethanol was originally burned in alcohol lamps as a source of light. According to Dr. de Koff, the first engines developed by Henry Ford ran on peanut oil and had to be converted to use fossil fuels. Ethanol was added to our gas during World War II, and it became a mainstream fuel additive during the gas crisis in the late 1970s. While biofuels like ethanol are not a be-all, end-all solution, they can help diversify our energy supply, which can protect against supply shocks. Learn more in this episode.

Special thanks to our guests:

Dr. Jason P. de Koff, Extension Professor and Program Leader, Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Tennessee State University College of Agriculture and

Dr. Daniel Ciolkosz, Professional Engineer and Associate Research Professor, Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Pennsylvania State University

Objectives:

I can provide at least two examples of crops that are used for biofuels.
I can identify at least two benefits and drawbacks of biofuels like ethanol.
I can analyze the pros and cons of biofuels to make an informed decision.

Pre-Viewing Questions:

What do you know about biofuels?
How do you think biofuels might improve our nation’s energy independence?
Why do you think biofuels are controversial?

Guided Questions:

Why does Dr. de Koff argue that biofuels are more sustainable than fossil fuels?
What other crops besides corn can be used to make biofuels?
Gas sold today typically contains how much ethanol as a percentage.
How does oxygen affect ethanol’s fuel performance?
According to Dr. Coilkosz, where did biodiesel originate?

Post-Listening Questions:

Describe at least three crops or materials that can be used to make biofuels. (Objective 1)
What’s next for biofuels based on the technology and legislation discussed in this podcast? (Objective 2)
Would you use ethanol or biodiesel in your car, tractor or lawn equipment? Why or why not? (Objective 3)
List at least three advantages or drawbacks of using biofuels or renewable energy. (Objective 2)

Scoring Rubric

Categories

Level 1: 1 points

Level 2: 2 points

Level 3: 3 points

Knowledge

Level 1: Student cites one pro or con.

Level 2: Student lists at least 1 pro and 1 con.

Level 3: Student lists multiple pros and cons.

Synthesis

Level 1: Student responses do not incorporate relevant viewpoints from the podcast.

Level 2: Student incorporates information related to one viewpoint presented in the podcast.

Level 3: Student incorporates information from both viewpoints.

Reasoning

Level 1: Student does not back up reasoning or show why they have a certain opinion.

Level 2: Student supports some statements with facts and evidence.

Level 3: All or most opinions are backed up by facts from the podcast or other credible sources.