Biodiesel Lesson Plans

Our goal is to provide a comprehensive collection of activities that teach scientific principles through the lens of alternative fuel production. We continue to develop new labs and lessons in the Searle Biodiesel Lab, but we also encourage teachers to submit their ideas to us. Please help us to build a library of biodiesel, alternative energy, and environmental sustainability labs.

Biodiesel Labs - v5 2017 (9 Labs)
Teacher Manual, Student Lab, Data Sheets, and Post Lab Questions Included
Updated: January, 2017

Individual Labs:

• Making Biodiesel - Virgin Oil
  Topics: Making biodiesel, exothermic reactions, products, and reagents
• Making Biodiesel - Waste Oil
  Topics: Utilizing waste cooking oil, titration (acid/base), neutralizing solutions
• Viscosity
  Topics: How to identify and manipulate viscosity and its importance
• Properties of Liquids
  Topics: Differentiate and identify density and viscosity
• Combustion
  Topics: Emissions, completeness of combustion, and how matter is affected
• Biodiesel Reaction Efficiency
  Topics: Principles of efficient reactions and quality control testing
• Making Glycerin Soap — From Biodiesel Glycerin
  Topics: Utilizing waste glycerin and controlling physical properties
• Life Cycle Analysis
  Topics: Diagram life cycles of ethanol and biodiesel then estimate/test/correct various process inputs
• Renewable Energy Debate
  Topics: Identify, evaluate, and debate types of renewable energy

Please e-mail us to learn more about the resources available through our program and feel free to contact us with any questions or ideas: zwaickm@luc.edu.