Bio Implementation

The biofuels lab would definitely have to be modified down to a shorter amount of time as we only have 40 minute class periods.  Since I have had students find the density of different oils in the past, I also know the amount of mess that students make when measuring oil.  The fermentation lab would also have to be modified down somehow as we only have 40 minutes, but the timing really needs to go for at least 45 minutes.  I like the simplified version better than the high tech version since there is less mess, chance for error, etc.

I really like the idea of the students doing these labs themselves, but could also see the benefits of doing these as a demonstration and time lapsing it so students can see the whole thing in a shorter amount of time (to fit the scheduling constraints).

Both of these labs fully support the students' learning about biorenewable fuels.  The biofuels lab is a direct application and the fermentation can be tied into the production of ethanol, which gets blended into gasoline.  These are real world applications that can be simulated on a smaller scale in the classroom laboratory and really engage the students.

I am definitely planning to look into having ISU come into my classroom for some different labs and/or presentations, but I am not sure where I want to fit that in.  I do know that teaching in Ames allows me to have this great resource available to my students and I need to take more advantage of this.  I am also thinking of possibly getting the students to tour different facilities/buildings on campus, but taking 140 students at one time can be a bit overwhelming, so the logistics is another issue I would have to consider.

I have enjoying thinking outside of the box and finding ways to implement all of these great ideas into my classroom this summer!