Module 2

Module 2—Talking Energy

Big Picture

You may have planned that participants in your ecotour will see parts of your local area by cycling. What mode of transportation could be more ecofriendly than cycling—transportation powered by people? However, the cyclists in your ecotour will likely need to be supported by a vehicle. If so, you might consider using a vehicle that uses an environmentally friendly fuel as its energy source.

Biodiesel is one such fuel that has been receiving a great deal of attention. Oil from the canola plants pictured to the right of the cyclists in the photograph can be used to produce biodiesel, as can waste vegetable oil from restaurants.

In Module 2 you will learn more about energy changes in chemical reactions while investigating the production, testing, and use of biodiesel as a possible fuel source for your ecotour.

The use of biodiesel as a vehicle fuel for your ecotour planning will tie into the Module 2 Assessment. Read on to learn more about the lessons, activities, and assessments you will complete as you progress through Module 2.

Assessment in This Module

Each lesson contains a range of activities and assessment options. These include assignments, labs, and Self-Check, Try This, Discuss, Reflect and Connect, and Reflect on the Big Picture activities. Instructions will be provided for each of these activities so that you can appropriately focus your time and effort. Your teacher will tell you which assessment options to complete and which responses to submit for marks or feedback. Remember to save all of your work in your Chemistry 30 folder.

In the Module 2 Assessment you will research biodiesel, and you will use your findings to decide whether to use biodiesel in your ecotour operation. You will develop a presentation for your ecotour clients and others interested in your operation explaining why you will or will not use biodiesel.

You may wish to look at the Module Assessment and the Unit Assessment before starting Lesson 1.