For example my initial thoughts regarding the use of biofuels were quite positive, as I believed that creating fuels from plants would decrease our carbon emissions. Upon further research, I discovered that this might not necessarily be the case as a large amount of energy is required in the production of biofuels, which may not outweigh the benefits. Furthermore, I hadn’t heard of the “food versus fuel” debate before, which I now know is in regards to crops for fuel production limiting the arable lad available for food production and therefore may contribute to a world food shortage.
Here you will find my final concept map to demonstrate my current knowledge regarding biofuels after weeks of research. I have used a number of different resources to enhance my understanding regarding this issue such as articles, educational resources, videos and peer-reviewed journals. Not only do I have an understanding regarding the production and categorisation of biofuels, I am aware of the ethical issues surrounding its manufacturing and use.
For example my initial thoughts regarding the use of biofuels were quite positive, as I believed that creating fuels from plants would decrease our carbon emissions. Upon further research, I discovered that this might not necessarily be the case as a large amount of energy is required in the production of biofuels, which may not outweigh the benefits. Furthermore, I hadn’t heard of the “food versus fuel” debate before, which I now know is in regards to crops for fuel production limiting the arable lad available for food production and therefore may contribute to a world food shortage.
0 Comments
The following website leads you to the ‘Biofuels Association of Australia’. Here you are able to find resources regarding policies on the production or use of biofuels in Australia.
Federal biofuel policy in Australia:
Federal Biofuel Policy - Biofuels Association of Australia. (2015). Biofuels Association of Australia. Retrieved 25 April 2016, from http://biofuelsassociation.com.au/policy/policy-and-excise-framework/ Socio-scientific issues (SSI) are issues that have the potential of being of great importance to society, and have a scientific basis. These issues are often portrayed in the media and therefore students are working with real time events. However, media representations often reflect the purpose of the communicator, and hence information may be taken out of context or only partial information is provided (Ekborg, Ottander, Silfver & Simon, 2013). Research shows that the media has agenda-setting abilities and in the case of SSI, has “the potential to strongly influence what people think and decision make” (Klosterman, Sadler Brown, 2011).
When teaching SSI such as global warming and biofuel production, an important skill to teach students is the ability to question the media, and back their reasoning with scientific knowledge. This is where classroom debates regarding SSI is a useful assessment activity to do in the classroom. Ekborg, M., Ottander, C., Silfver, A., & Simon, S. (2013). Teachers' experience of working with socio-scientific issues: a large scale and in depth study. Research in Science Education, 43(2), 599-617. Klosterman, M., Sadler, T., & Brown, J. (2011). Science teachers’ use of mass media to address socio-scientific and sustainability issues. Research in Science Education, 42(1), 51-74. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11165-011-9256-z
The first video explains biofuels with the intending audience of students. It could be a great resource used as an introduction to the topic. From this video I was able to further my knowledge as it mentions that biofuels are categorised into three groups based on the feedstock used to feed them:
* Additionally, advanced biofuels is a new field of study that involves using waste, animal fat or used cooking oil to produce liquid fuels. Student Energy,. (2015). Biofuels 101. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/ZGmwtDffc74 The second video is a useful teaching resource regarding the economic, environmental and social effects of biofuels. The video can be utilised in a flipped classroom model or as a revision aid. The video outlines advantages and disadvantages for the use of biofuels. Advantages:
Carbon neutrality is controversial; the calculations required in determining whether the carbon used in the process of biofuel production is less than the carbon absorbed by the crops during growth is complex and requires further research. Therefore, stating that biofuels is a great alternative to fossil fuels as it won’t add carbon emissions, is incorrect. The Fuse School - Global Education,. (2015). Economic, environmental and social effect of biofuels | chemistry for all | the fuse school. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/UfZK727QMko As my knowledge is quite limited, I have decided to start with articles targeted to the general audience. This will allow me to understand the basics around biofuels. Here I have attached a link to a National Geographic article I came across. This article is able to explain biofuels in laymen’s terms. From this article I was able to obtain the following information:
“Gasoline and diesel are actually ancient biofuels.”
Biofuel Facts, Biofuel Information - National Geographic. National Geographic. Retrieved 9 April 2016, from http://environment.nationalgeographic.com.au/environment/global-warming/biofuel-profile/ As a starting point, I have created a concept map of my initial knowledge surrounding this topic. Therefore I will be able to compare this to the knowledge I will gain over the course of the following weeks through regular research.
From this concept map it can be distinguished that my current knowledge is very limited and therefore is a topic that requires independent research to enhance my understanding. Research regarding the production process, its uses, the advantages/advantages, and any ethical issues surrounding the topic will be beneficial. With the increase awareness of the impact of global warming on climate change, there is increase urgency in the need to change our carbon footprint. Therefore scientists are continuously researching alternative energy sources that might reduce our carbon emissions. The topic of biofuels can be related to a number of sub-strands in the science curriculum:
Therefore understanding this topic is an important part of understanding the science curriculum. This topic also lends well to the ethical general capability of the Victorian Curriculum as there has been much ethical debate surrounding the use of biofuels.
Victoriancurriculum.vcaa.vic.edu.au. (2016). Victorian Curriculum: Foundation – 10. Retrieved from http://victoriancurriculum.vcaa.vic.edu.au |
Archives |