Science of Biofuels – Extended Reading

Summary

This comprehensive reading guide explores biomass and biofuels, ideal for high school science and environmental studies. It covers:

• What is Biomass? Definition, sources (wood, crops, agricultural waste, algae), and its historical and modern uses for energy.
• How Biomass is Used: Direct combustion for heat and electricity, anaerobic digestion, and conversion into liquid biofuels.
• Environmental and Health Impacts: Discusses air pollution from burning biomass, indoor air quality concerns, deforestation, land use changes, and the role of changing practices.
• Introduction to Biofuels: Focuses on ethanol (from corn, sugarcane) and biodiesel (from vegetable oils, animal fats), their production processes (fermentation, transesterification), and their use in transportation.
• Energy Density: Compares the energy content of biofuels to conventional fuels.
• Pros and Cons: Examines the environmental benefits (carbon absorption) and drawbacks (fertilizer use, land use change) of biofuels, as well as economic considerations (cost, impact on food prices, government policies).
• Future of Biofuels: Highlights emerging technologies, including cellulosic biofuels (from non-food plant parts) and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for decarbonizing air travel.
• Glossary of Key Terms: Provides definitions for essential vocabulary related to biomass and biofuels.
• Student Questions and Answers: Includes sections for basic recall, comprehension, application, and critical thinking, tailored for high school.

This resource is perfect for educators seeking materials on renewable energy, environmental science, and sustainable development. Use with the Science of Biofuels lesson.