Energy 101: Algae-to-fuels

Energy 101: Algae-to-fuels
http://energy.gov/articles/energy-101-algae-fuel

Erin R. Pierce, U.S. Department of Energy

This video is from the Energy 101 video series. It explains the process for converting micro-algae into fuel and makes the case that algae-based biofuels hold enormous potential for helping reduce our dependence on imported oil.

Video length is 2:33 min.

Learn more about Teaching Climate Literacy and Energy Awareness»

See how this Video supports the Next Generation Science Standards»

hide

Middle School

Disciplinary Core Ideas: 1

MS-ESS3.A1: Humans depend on Earth’s land, ocean, atmosphere, and biosphere for many different resources. Minerals, fresh water, and biosphere resources are limited, and many are not renewable or replaceable over human lifetimes. These resources are distributed unevenly around the planet as a result of past geologic processes.

hide

High School

Disciplinary Core Ideas: 2

HS-ESS3.A2: All forms of energy production and other resource extraction have associated economic, social, environmental, and geopolitical costs and risks as well as benefits. New technologies and social regulations can change the balance of these factors.

HS-ETS1.A2: Humanity faces major global challenges today, such as the need for supplies of clean water and food or for energy sources that minimize pollution, which can be addressed through engineering. These global challenges also may have manifestations in local communities

Grade Level

Middle (6-8)
Find more resources at this grade level.

High School (9-12)
Find more resources at this grade level.

Topics

Human Responses to Climate
Find more resources on this topic.

Other Alternatives
Find more resources on this topic.

Climate Literacy

This Video builds on the following concepts of Climate Literacy.

Click a topic below for supporting information, teaching ideas, and sample activities.

Humans can take action

Energy Literacy

This Video builds on the following concepts of Energy Literacy.

Click a topic below for supporting information, teaching ideas, and sample activities.

Various sources of energy are used to power human activities

Notes From Our Reviewers The CLEAN collection is hand-picked and rigorously reviewed for scientific accuracy and classroom effectiveness. Read what our review team had to say about this resource below or learn more about how CLEAN reviews teaching materials
Teaching Tips | Science | Pedagogy | Technical Details

Teaching Tips

Students could also make biofuel in class; one such lesson from the CLEAN collection is http://www1.eere.energy.gov/education/pdfs/biomass_creatingbiodiesel.pdf

About the Content

The Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory found that 17 percent of the United States’ imported oil for transportation could be replaced with homegrown, algae-based biofuels.
This video gives a very basic review of the process of converting algae into biofuel and algae's potential for helping reduce our dependence on imported oil.
Comments from expert scientist: Video contains basic information without depth and could be used for younger K grades.

About the Pedagogy

Links to related articles on biofuels are supplied on the sidebar.

Technical Details/Ease of Use

Video viewable online only in small and medium screen sizes.
508 compliant; captions are provided during video for students to follow the transcript.

Entered the Collection: August 2014 Last Reviewed: August 2014

Jump to this Video »

Middle School (see details)