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Association for Science Education (ASE)
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Biomass and Biofuels
This SATIS Revisited resource looks at the environmental and ecological consequences of further expansion of biofuel crops due to deforestation, biodiversity and landscapes.
Biodiesel is a fuel derived from biomass (made from plant materials) that can be used without modification in vehicles with diesel engines. Biodiesel is considered a ‘green’ fuel or biofuel because it is renewable and produces less sulphur emissions than conventional diesel.
However, this solution is not without cost. Vast swathes of topical forest have been replaced by palm oil plantations. At present most of the palm oil produced is used in foodstuffs and cosmetics but has potential for use as a biofuel too. Palm oil tree monocultures contain a fraction of the wildlife found in the rich biodiversity of habitats such as the forests of Borneo.
Conservationists are seriously concerned at the environmental and ecological consequences of further expansion of these crops because of the effects on biodiversity and landscapes. This unit reflects these concerns but also explores the economic benefits that may be brought to countries able to grow palm oil trees.
Contents of this unit:
Unit overview
Presentation
Guidance for teachers
Energy from biomass
*Activity sheet A – Energy from biomass, active reading exercise
*Activity sheet B – Energy from biomass, active reading exercise (simplified version)
The consequences of growing palm oil trees
*Information sheet A – Palm oil briefing
*Information sheet B – Palm oil briefing (simplified version)
*Activity sheet – Consequences cards to cut out
*Activity sheet – Consequences table (blank) to complete
*Activity sheet – Consequences table with answers
Saving the Heart of Borneo
*Role cards
Show health and safety information
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Downloads
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Overview 648.65 KB
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Presentation 2.05 MB
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Guidance for teachers 569.44 KB
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Palm oil briefing (simplified version) 261.64 KB
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Consequences table (blank) to complete 215.15 KB
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Consequences table with answers 215.16 KB
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Role cards 88.43 KB
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Consequences cards (to cut out) 135.64 KB
Show downloads
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Overview 648.65 KB -
Presentation 2.05 MB
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Guidance for teachers 569.44 KB
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Palm oil briefing (simplified version) 261.64 KB
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Consequences table (blank) to complete 215.15 KB
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Consequences table with answers 215.16 KB
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Role cards 88.43 KB
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Consequences cards (to cut out) 135.64 KB
Download all files as a .zip4.96 MB
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