Lesson Two: Exploring Alternative Fuels

Introduction

The purpose of this lesson is for students to be able to define alternative energy and the most common types of alternative fuels that are used for vehicles. Upon the successful completion of the lesson, students will be able to:

• Define alternative fuels.
• List the (8) most common alternative fuels used for vehicles.
• Identify the advantages/disadvantages of alternative fuels.
• Compare AFV’s to gas fueled vehicles.

Materials:

• Web quest procedure sheet
• Pathfinder sources
• Internet access

North Carolina Standard Course of Study

The lesson will address the following AP Environmental Science objectives from the NCSCOS:

Competency Goal 4: The learner will build an understanding of the distribution, ownership, use and degradation of renewable and nonrenewable resources.

• 4.05 Analyze and compare conventional and alternative energy sources.

Competency Goal 6: The learner will build an understanding of global changes and their consequences.

• 6.01 Investigate human effects and consequences on the atmosphere.
• Competency Goal 7: The learner will build an understanding of environmental decision making.
• 7.01 Analyze economic forces affecting societies.
• 7.02 Analyze cultural and ethical considerations regarding the environment.
• 7.04 Develop an awareness of environmental options.

Essential Questions

1. What are the most common types of alternative fuels used for vehicles?
2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using alternative fuels for vehicles?
3. Are there any major differences between AFV’s and gas fueled vehicles?

Internet Web Quest

Investigating Alternative Energy for Vehicles

Introduction

The past couple of years, the price of gasoline have gone up tremendously. This increase in price has affected all Americans; because we depend upon vehicles to travel to work, visit family, go shopping, and much more. A large percentage of petroleum, which is used to make the by-product gasoline, is imported from other countries. This means that gasoline prices are tied to the prices that oil-exporting countries charge for crude oil.

For the last three decades, researchers and scientists have been experimenting with alternative fuels. Most of these alternative fuels are considered renewable resources, so therefore they can be replenished easily. These alternative fuels can reduce out of pocket expenses at the fuel pump. Not only is alternative fuel cost efficient, they also reduce harmful effects to the environment. Each year we will begin to see more and more vehicles on highways that use alternative fuels.

In this web quest students will discover the answers to the following questions:

1. What are alternative fuels?
2. Where do alternative fuels come from?
3. How are alternative fuels different from fossil fuels?
4. What types of alternative fuels are being used for transportation?

In this Web Quest, you will explore the topic of alternative fuels and find the answers to some of these questions.

Pathfinder

Look at the web sites given here to find the information that will enable you to answer questions about alternative fuels.

• http://www.altfuels.org/backgrnd/altftype.html
• http://www.kcmo.org/health/factsheets/AlternativeFuelsandVehicles.pdf
• http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/alternativefuel.pdf

Process

Read through the following set of questions before you begin your Internet research. As you explore each site, look for answers to the questions.

Questions about Alternative Fuels

1. What is an alternative fuel?
2. What is the difference between alternative fuels and fossil fuels?
3. Is it true that we are running out of oil? Explain.
4. Identify (8) common alternative fuel types.
5. For each fuel type listed above briefly discuss the following points:
   
   1. Fuel Source
   2. Wholesale Availability
   3. Retail Availability
   4. Advantages
   5. Disadvantages
6. What types of vehicles can run on alternative fuels?
7. Compare alternative fuel vehicles to gas-powered vehicles.
8. Do you think you should buy an alternative vehicle? Why or Why not?

Conclusion

In completing this Web Quest, you’ve become informed about alternative fuels that can be used to power vehicles. You have also learned about the advantages and disadvantages of alternative fuels. Scientists and researchers are constantly looking for new ways to improve the use of these renewable resources more effectively and efficiently.

Homework: Create a persuasion map about the advantages of alternative fuels: Write your goal in the first box. Write three reasons in the next boxes. List the facts and examples in the branching boxes.

Persuasion Map

The Persuasion Map is a graphic organizer that enables students to map out their arguments for a persuasive essay or debate. Students begin by determining their goal or thesis. They then identify three reasons to support their argument, and three facts or examples to validate each reason.

Objective: Create a persuasion map about the advantages or disadvantages of using alternative fuels for vehicles.

See Persuasion Map Template for lesson 2.

Resources

1. Alternative Fuel Types. 13 October 2008 http://www.altfuels.org/backgrnd/altftype.html.
2. Alternative Fuels and Vehicles. 13 October 2008 http://www.kcmo.org/health/factsheets/AlternativeFuelsandVehicles.pdf
3. Alternative Fuels. 13 October 2008 http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/alternativefuel.pdf
4. NC Standard Course of Study for AP Environmental Science http://www.ncpublicschools.org/curriculum/science/scos/2004/31apenvironm...