CHED 15 |
| Renewable fuels like biodiesel are rapidly becoming more abundant and widely used. Educating today's students about these fuels is essential, and students are excited to learn about renewable energy topics. We developed and assessed the effectiveness of lecture, homework, and laboratory activities about renewable fuels that fit into the organic chemistry unit of general chemistry curricula for either science or non-science majors. These materials were tested in a community college setting. The lecture and homework include an online learning object and in-class materials to introduce students to different types of renewable fuels and their applications. In the laboratory, students synthesize and characterize biodiesel and compare its properties to those of other organic compounds. Modified instructional materials are available for non-science majors. The students responded well to the new lesson; they were enthusiastic overall and successfully produced biodiesel in the lab. Pre- and post-test results demonstrating student understanding will be presented. |
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Community College Led Advances in Undergraduate Education
8:30 AM-12:10 PM, Sunday, March 25, 2007 McCormick Place North -- Room N230A, Level 2, Oral
Division of Chemical Education |