Module 2

Module 2—Talking Energy

In This Module

Lesson 1—Alternative Fuels: Biodiesel

When running an ecotour you often have to “walk the talk.” Using biodiesel where possible may improve your credibility as an ecotour operator. In Lesson 1 you will make and test biodiesel, and you will begin to consider whether you should use biodiesel in your ecotour’s operations.

You will investigate the following lesson question:

• What makes a good fuel?

Lesson 2—Energy Diagrams and Activation Energy

In Lesson 2 you will consider the events that occur during a chemical reaction from the molecular level. You will learn about activation energy, and you will integrate this concept into your understanding of enthalpy changes for reactions involving endothermic and exothermic change.

You will investigate the following lesson question:

• Why is energy needed to start an exothermic reaction?

Lesson 3—Catalysts

Catalysts are important components of industrial and biological systems. In Lesson 3 you will learn how catalysts affect the rate of chemical reactions, including the production of biodiesel.

You will investigate the following lesson questions:

• What is a catalyst?
• How does a catalyst influence a chemical reaction?