Renewable Energy Algebra Lesson: Biofuels
Lesson Plan
1 hourGrades6, 7, 8Mathematics
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Written by Effie Wolters
About this lesson
In this lesson, students are introduced to biomass energy and use algebra to calculate the amount of land needed to produce biofuel using different plants.
Inquire: Students watch a video on biofuels and discuss how biofuels are similar to or different from other renewable energy sources.
Investigate: Students complete real-world math problems that compare the amount of land needed for various biofuel crops.
Inspire: Students use a map to explore the current use of biomass in their region and discuss potential benefits and drawbacks to increasing biomass energy in their community.
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Everything you need to teach it
How to edit these materials (video)Teaching tips
Suggestions
- Students have opportunities to think critically about the topic of renewable energy in their community.
- Students have the chance to use math in a real-world application, which makes it more relevant and engaging.
- Interdisciplinary connections can be made with Earth science, physical science, and engineering design.
Prerequisites
- This is lesson 4 of 5 in our 6th-8th grade Renewable Energy Algebra unit.
- This lesson could be used as a standalone lesson if desired.
- There are quite a few drawbacks and challenges to large-scale biofuel production and use. Students should begin to see this through their calculations and discussion. An optional extension video that explores some of the issues with biofuel is included in the Differentiation section.
Differentiation
- Teachers can have students work with a partner on the calculations in the Investigate section and purposefully group students based on skill level.
- Teachers can work in small groups with students who may need additional assistance with the calculations.
- Teachers can limit the number of questions students complete. Questions get progressively more difficult on the Student Document.
- Students can watch this optional extension video that looks at issues with using biofuel on a large scale. Teachers can use the following discussion questions with the video:
- What prevents biofuel from being a practical and widely used energy source?
- How have innovations in biofuel helped bring us closer to large-scale use?
- Do you think biofuels are still a promising climate change solution? Why?
From the scientist review
This lesson introduces students to biofuels and how they are sourced, including the supply chain. It does not only equip them to compute the acres of land needed to grow crops to produce biofuels but allows them to compare biofuels with other renewable energy sources, including the benefits and limitation to scale up. All the materials have been fact-checked, and they are suitable to build students' knowledge on the topic. Hence, this lesson has passed our science credibility process.
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About the teacher writer
Effie Wolters
6-8 Chemistry and Earth Science Teacher
Effie Wolters is a science educator with nine years of teaching experience. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the University of San Diego and a master’s degree in Teaching Instruction from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. She is licensed to teach General Science in Grades 5–8 and holds a Cambridge CELTA certification.
