This video explains where biofuels come from and the pros and cons of using biofuels as an alternative to fossil fuels.
Students will learn that though biofuels are renewable, producing biofuels requires land conversion and energy use.
Teaching Tips
Positives
The video's slow pace and simple illustrations make it a perfect introduction to biofuels.
Visual learners will appreciate the text that accompanies each illustration.
Additional Prerequisites
Students should understand that carbon emissions cause climate change and that plants sequester carbon as they grow.
Differentiation
Before watching the video, science classes could reflect on the following writing prompts: What are biofuels? Should we use them? After viewing the video, students could re-read their reflections and correct any misconceptions.
Students could make digital or paper infographics about biofuels. The infographics could be displayed around the school.
Other resources on this topic include this video on why functional biofuel does not exist yet, this video on growing kelp for biofuel, and this factsheet on how the aviation industry uses biofuel as a false solution for cutting carbon emissions.
Scientist Notes
This video identifies the pros and cons of biofuels to enable students to understand the environmental impact of this alternative energy and its carbon footprint. This is recommended for teaching.
Standards
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
ESS3: Earth and Human Activity
MS-ESS3-3 Apply scientific principles to design a method for monitoring and minimizing a human impact on the environment.
HS-ESS3-2 Evaluate competing design solutions for developing, managing, and utilizing energy and mineral resources based on cost-benefit ratios.
HS-ESS3-6 Use a computational representation to illustrate the relationships among Earth systems and how those relationships are being modified due to human activity.
