Classroom Materials

In this data dive, students interpret and analyze data on the greenhouse gas emissions from producing and using different fuels for vehicles and apply the concept of a life cycle assessment to tally environmental impacts for each step of fuel production and use.

In this “data dive” students analyze data on the biodiversity of plants and beneficial bugs living in different bioenergy crops and compare some of the important ecosystem services that bugs and plants provide in different crops.

This video and four-page handout introduces the difficulties in creating cellulosic ethanol and can serve as helpful background for further study of biofuels.

In this story, students follow the investigations of GLBRC agronomists, who design large-scale biofuel crop experiments on farms. Students learn about the unique challenges and interesting discoveries that come from conducting experiments in the field.

In this story, students learn about the interplay between science and engineering in fermentation research—from the discovery of pasteurization in the 1800s to current efforts to produce efficient biofuels with biotechnology.

"Someone or something has been attacking the waxworm larvae in local corn and grass fields. GLBRC Entomology detectives want to find out who is responsible and thank them for their service..." This short reading and accompanying worksheet offers a window into how GLBRC scientists are investigating the insect populations in different crops and the services they provide to farmers. Research stories give students a window into the work of professional scientists and engineers.

This Exploration Station highlights the role of biodiversity in sustainable bioenergy cropping systems as learners make "biomass bouquets" and interact with insect, bird and plant biodiversity displays.

In this game, players—both students and the public—take on the role of farmers working to sustainably grow crops to produce energy resources, earn income and improve ecosystem services.

Join Darryl and Nina as they experiment to find out what happens when ethanol burns. This video also serves as a supplement to the GLBRC Biofuels vs Fossil Fuels Unit as students investigate the energy and matter transformations associated with combustion.

Join Darryl and Nina as they experiment to find out what happens when plants grow. This video also serves as a supplement to the GLBRC Biofuels vs Fossil Fuels Unit as students investigate the energy and matter transformations associated with plant growth.