Power Systems Bundle 1
Biofuels: Investigating Ethanol Production and Combustion (#39S): This activity includes three major parts. In Investigation One, Part A, you demonstrate fermentation of corn and cane sugar, the two sources used most commonly in production of ethanol fuel. In Investigation Two, each group of students investigates the energy released by combustion of ethanol or kerosene, and the class compares the results. In Investigation Three, each group of investigates the by-products of one of the two fuels. Students compare results and discuss the trade-offs of biofuels and fossil fuels as sources of energy. Then you return to Part B of Investigation One, and demonstrate the distillation of the product of fermenting corn and cane sugar.
Modeling and Comparing Fossil Fuel and Biofuel Combustion (#38): Students should understand the costs and trade-offs of various decisions. In Part A of this activity, students use Lab-Aids® Molecular Models to build methane, ethanol and octane molecules then "combust" them with oxygen molecules. "Combusting" the model molecules helps students determine the balanced chemical equations for the combustion reactions and compare the amount of carbon dioxide released when these three fuels are burned. In Part B students use standard bond energies to calculate and compare the amount of energy released during the combustion reactions they modeled in Part A. They are then asked to use their data about the energy released and the CO2 produced to choose which fuel they think is better.
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Details at a Glance
- 4-5 Days | 4-5 ~50 minute class periods
- 5 Activities
- Accommodates 1, unlimited classes, each with 18 groups of 6 students
- Consumables service 24 students
- Meets our criteria for supporting literacy
- Includes digital resources
- Requires a water source
Scientific Concepts
•Complex chemical reactions occur all around us, for example in processes used to produce energy, such as combustion
•Chemical reactions may release or consume energy. Some reactions such as the burning of fuels release large amounts of energy by losing heat and by emitting light
•Students conduct scientific investigations, use mathematics to improve investigations, and formula models using evidence
•The earth does not have infinite resources; increasing human consumption places stress on the natural processes that renew some resources, and it depletes those resources that cannot be renewed
•Many changes in the environment designed by humans bring benefits to society, as well as environmental impacts and risks. Students should understand the costs and trade-offs of various decisions
•Decisions about new research and technology, such as those related to energy issues, involve assessment of alternatives, risks, costs, and benefits
•A compound is formed when two or more kinds of atoms bind together chemically.
•The physical properties of compounds reflect the structure of the molecule.
•Carbon atoms can bond to one another in chains, rings, and branching networks.
•Complex chemical reactions occur all around us, for example in processes used to produce energy, such as combustion.
•Chemical reactions may release or consume energy. Some reactions such as the burning of fuels release large amounts of energy by losing heat and by emitting light.
KEY VOCABULARY: biofuel, byproduct, carbon dioxide, combustion, distillation,
ethanol, fermentation, pollutant
Guides & Student Sheets
Our kits and modules provide you with everything you need so you can open, review, and teach the material confidently the next day.
- Full downloadable Teacher Guide with background information, detailed instruction, example data and answers
- Downloadable Student Sheets with age appropriate background information, full procedure(s), and analysis questions
- All materials necessary to carry out the investigation
- Safety Data Sheets