1. Module 2

1.3. Lesson 1

Lesson 1

Module 2—Talking Energy

Lesson 1—Alternative Fuels: Biodiesel

 

A photograph shows a female scientist extracting a yellow-coloured oil from a flask using a pipette. Yellow-blossomed canola plants are pictured in the foreground.

© Sophia Winters/shutterstock

Get Focused

 

There is no doubt that your ecotour will involve some sort of travel using vehicles. Whether you will be driving support for the participants when they are cycling or collecting them downstream after river canoeing, you will need to transport people and equipment to and from the unique activities you will offer.

 

Many ecotours have made the decision to use biodiesel in their vehicles where possible. What is biodiesel and how does its use promote sustainability? In Lesson 1 you will learn about biodiesel. You will begin to evaluate its properties and suitability as a fuel for your ecotour. To assist in your evaluation you will make and test biodiesel.

 

Consider the following question as you complete Lesson 1:

  • What makes a good fuel?

A photograph shows a flask with two layers: a brown layer on the bottom and a cloudy, yellow layer (biodiesel) on top. A hand is holding the flask and transferring the cloudy, yellow layer to a graduated cylinder sitting on a desk.

Module 2: Lesson 1 Assignment

 

In the Lesson 1 Assignment you will complete a virtual investigation in which you will make and test biodiesel. Download a copy of the Module 2: Lesson 1 Assignment to your computer now. You will receive further instructions on how to complete this assignment later in the lesson.

 

The other questions in this lesson are not marked by the teacher; however, you should still answer these questions. The Self-Check, Try This, and other types of questions are placed in this lesson to help you review important information and build key concepts that may be applied in future lessons. You should record the answers to all the questions in the lesson and place those answers in your course folder.

 

After a discussion with your teacher, you must decide what to do with the questions that are not part of your assignment. For example, you may decide to submit the responses to Try This and other questions that are not marked to your teacher for informal assessment and feedback. Your answers are very important to your teacher. They provide your teacher with information about your learning, and they help your teacher identify where adjustments to your instruction may be necessary.