Sustainable Biofuels (Secondary)
12-14 years
5h + pre- and post-work
3455
In this module, the pupils will learn and experience how wood, which is in abundance in the Highlands, can be used as a raw material for making biofuels.
The maximum number of pupils per session is 20.
In this module, the pupils will study molecules, polymers and monomers, and two of the steps in industrial production of biofuels: Enzymatic degradation of wood to sugar and fermentation of sugar to fuel (ethanol). The pupils will also understand the meaning of sustainable and evaluate an discuss biofuels from a local perspective.
The module lasts 4-5 hours and consists of the following activities:
- Introduction to the Newton Room and the topic of sustainable biofuels
- Building molecules - pupils will build a monosaccharide, which will be used to compose a polysaccharide.
- From wood to sugar - pupils set up an enzyme reaction to understand the use of an enzyme in an industrial setting, digesting Cellulose into glucose. They then perform a Benedict's test to evaluate the amount of glucose released by the enzyme.
- From sugar to alcohol - pupils will produce ethanol from a fermentation reaction. Data loggers are used to track the concentration of ethanol and carbon dioxide as a sugar-yeast solution ferment.
- Sustainable biofuels - pupils will act as consultants for the building of a fuel factory in their region. They will discuss the benefits and downsides of fossil fuels and different sources for biofuels and choose the type of factory to build.
- Ethanol as a fuel demo - the Newton teacher will demonstrate using ethanol as a fuel to create combustion and launch a rocket.
Throughout this module, the pupils will be encouraged to discuss and consider how the activities and skills used within this workshop are relevant to real life situations.
Curriculum for Excellence links for this module can be found here.
