Introduction to Bioenergy Cen USA Bioenergy High School

Introduction to Bioenergy Cen. USA Bioenergy High School Curriculum Lesson 1

Video: Cen. USA Bioenergy Overview

What is Bioenergy? Plant oils or sugary/starchy parts of crops Trees, wood chippings, or straw Animal waste Waste cooking oil Algae oil

What Other Kinds of Renewable Energy Can You Think Of? Biodigester for electricity or vehicle fuel production Wind turbines for electricity production Solar panels for electricity production Hydroelectric Geothermal for heating and cooling

Why Use Bioenergy? Gas shortage sign in Connecticut during energy crisis ©Owen Franken/Corbis Bus running on soybean diesel (www. eere. energy. gov)

How Has Bioenergy Been Used Historically? Wood burning steam locomotive Wood burning stove

Cen. USA Bioenergy

Curriculum Overview Lesson Title Lesson 1: Introduction to Bioenergy Lesson 2: Carbon Cycle Lesson 3: Photosynthesis Lesson 4: Nitrogen Cycle Lesson 5: Fermentation Lesson Description Gives background and purpose of Cen. USA Bioenergy project; gives brief overview of bioenergy, renewable vs. non -renewable energy. Explains the carbon cycle and potential impacts it could have on the environment if disrupted. Defines role of plants in carbon cycle; detailed discussion of light-dependent and light-independent reactions; lab activities investigate chlorophyll and transpiration. Discusses natural and anthropogenic nitrogen movement through soil, water, and air; lab activity has students analyze variables associated with erosion associated with nitrate leaching. Outlines the steps involved in fermentation and how biological enzymes are used to convert sugars into ethanol; lab activity will have students compare fermentation outputs of different feedstocks.

Curriculum Overview Lesson Title Lesson 6: Corn to Ethanol Lesson 7: Soybeans to Biodiesel Lesson 8: Biomass and Biochar Lesson 9: Second Generation Biofuels Lesson 10: Perennial Grass Development Lesson Description Appraises the use of corn for ethanol production and its impact on the environment, industry, and land use; lab activity has students complete the initial steps of the wet milling process by extracting starch. Examines the impacts on the environment and industry due to soy production for food and biofuels; lab activity introduces transesterification as a biodiesel production method. Reviews biomass in the context of fuel usage, contrasts biomass and fossil fuels, introduces biochar and potential uses; lab activity results in creation of mini-pyrolyzer and biochar production. Introduces the concept of second-generation biofuels made from cellulose; lab activity has students compare and contrast different cellulosic feedstock and their sugar output by performing hydrolysis. Describes the process of feedstock development through breeding and selection; lab activity has small groups of students complete a plant breeding simulation.

Curriculum Overview Lesson Title Lesson 11: Countries Using Bioenergy Lesson 12: Economics of Bioenergy Lesson 13: Environmental Impact of Bioenergy Lesson 14: Careers in Bioenergy Lesson Description Presents a picture of bioenergy usage around the world, potential for future usage, as well as pros and cons of worldwide adoption of bioenergy; lab activity has students create bioenergy action plans for international countries. Outlines potential economic impacts of bioenergy on numerous stakeholders, including food and industry; lab activity is a role-playing activity that simulates a congressional hearing about the future of biofuels in the United States. Examines potential environmental impacts, both positive and negative, as a result of increased bioenergy usage; lab activity has students make decisions as farmers that have short-term and long-term economic and environmental impacts. Concludes the curriculum by illustrating the diverse nature of potential careers in bioenergy; lab activity has students explore different careers by assuming the identity of a bioenergy professional.

Fueling The Future

Student Review Questions