Introduction to Bioenergy
Manufacturing Engineering
Lesson Plan
Performance Objectives
After completing this lesson, students will be able to discuss the purpose and applications of bioenergy to the
teacher’s satisfaction.
Specific Objectives
 Research various forms of bioenergy sources
 Research and compile a list of the number of flex-fuel vehicles in production this year
 Demonstrate knowledge of bioenergy by discussing examples of bioenergy applications
 Create a slide presentation with photos and specifications of various biomass sources used in the
production of bioenergy
 Demonstrate knowledge of bioenergy by discussing the reuse of waste products, conservation of
natural resources, and the protection of our planet
Terms
 Bioenergy- a renewable energy created from living organisms like wood and plant life
 Organic matter- material composed of organic compounds that come from the remains of former
living animal and plant life and waste products in the environment
 Biomass- a renewable energy source derived from living organisms like wood and other plant life
 Bioenergy feedstock- crops and industrial products like organic waste material and vegetable oil
that can be processed into biofuel and bioenergy products
 Methane- an abundant, natural, chemical compound found in natural gas. Methane is good fuel source
but is difficult to transport from its source location.
 Pyrolysis- a process used to produce liquid fuels from biomass by heating the biomass product in the
absence of oxygen
 Ethanol- a form of alcohol created by fermenting biomass products that contain high levels of
carbohydrates like sugars and starches
 Biodiesel- a fuel created by combining an alcohol, like methanol, with animal fat or vegetable oil to
create an alternative to diesel fuel
 Methanol- a form of alcohol that can be produced from wood, biomass, or natural gas; it is used in fuel
and diesel production and in the production of wooden boarding
 Gasification- a process of creating fuel by vaporizing biomass products at high temperatures and then
removing impurities from the hot gases
 Flexible fuel vehicles- vehicles that are designed to use two forms of fuel, at the same time; the most
commonly used fuels are unleaded gasoline and ethanol
Time
This lesson should take approximately 180 minutes (introduction- 45 minutes, presentation- 90 minutes, and
quiz- 45 minutes).
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All rights reserved.
1
Preparation
TEKS Correlations
This lesson, as published, correlates to the following TEKS. Any changes/alterations to the activities may result
in the elimination of any or all of the TEKS listed.
Manufacturing Engineering
 130.329 (c)
o (7) The student knows mechanical, fluid, electrical, and thermal systems. The student is
expected to:
(A) use pneumatics devices;
(B) use hydraulics devices; and
(C) analyze the effects of heat energy and temperature on products.
Interdisciplinary Correlations
English Language Arts and Reading, English I
 110.31 (b)
o (1) Reading/Vocabulary Development. Students understand new vocabulary and use it
when reading and writing.
Occupational Correlation (O*Net – www.onetonline.org/)
Job Title: Electricians
O*Net Number: 47-2111.00
Reported Job Titles: Electrician, Maintenance Electrician, Journeyman Electrician, Inside Wireman, Control
Electrician, Electrician Technician, Industrial Electrician, Journeyman Wireman
Tasks:
 Connect wires to circuit breakers, transformers, or other components.
 Test electrical systems or continuity of circuits in electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures, using testing
devices, such as ohmmeters, voltmeters, or oscilloscopes, to ensure compatibility and safety of system.
 Plan layout and installation of electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures, based on job specifications and
local codes.
 Diagnose malfunctioning systems, apparatus, or components, using test equipment and hand tools to
locate the cause of a breakdown and correct the problem.
Soft Skills:
 Critical Thinking
 Active learning and listening
 Troubleshooting
 Repairing
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All rights reserved.
2
Accommodations for Learning Differences
It is important that lessons accommodate the needs of every learner. These lessons may be modified to
accommodate your students with learning differences by referring to the files found on the Special
Populations page of this website.
Preparation
 Review and become familiar with the terminology, website links, and the slide presentation.
 Have materials, slide presentation, and websites ready prior to the start of the lesson.
 Locate videos or photos of renewable energy processes to show.
References
 http://websters.yourdictionary.com
 http://www.thefreedictionary.com
Instructional Aids
 Introduction to Bioenergy slide presentation and notes
 Warm-up Activity (Slide 3)
 Introduction to Bioenergy Terms and Definitions handout for each student
 Introduction to Bioenergy Terms and Definitions Answer Key
 Introduction to Bioenergy Quiz for each student
 Introduction to Bioenergy Quiz Answer Key
Introduction
The purpose of this lesson is to help students understand the overall purpose of bioenergy and the positive
impact it can have on our environment.

Ask
o If you knew the earth had only one year of petroleum resources left, what alternatives would you
suggest for continuing to sustain the energy needs of our planet?

Say
o We will discuss the purpose of bioenergy and how it is becoming a viable alternative to petroleum to
meet our future energy needs.

Show
o Videos or photos of renewable energy processes currently in use.
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All rights reserved.
3
Outline
MI
OUTLINE
I.
II.
Introduction of lesson
A. Bell Work Activity
B. Warm-up Activity
Introduction to Bioenergy
A. Overview
B. Research Bioenergy Sources
NOTES TO TEACHER
Begin Introduction to
Bioenergy slide
presentation.
Have students work on the
Bell Work Activity.
(Slide 2)
Warm-up Activity
III.
IV.
V.
Discuss Applications of Bioenergy
A. Biopower
B. Biofuels
Bioenergy Research
A. Have students research and
compile a list of the number of
flex-fuel vehicles in production this
year.
B. Have students create a slide
presentation with photos and
specifications of various biomass
sources used in the production of
bioenergy.
Introduction to Bioenergy Quiz
Introduction to Bioenergy
Terms and Definitions
handout, students (in pairs)
will teach each other the
terms and definitions. They
may do computer-based
research to look up the
meaning.
(Slide 3)
Review, discuss, and
overview Introduction to
Bioenergy.
(Slides 4-9)
Each slide is meant to be
discussed. Have some
background knowledge, and
challenge the students to
make some contributions to
the discussion.
Administer quiz and grade
using answer key.
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All rights reserved.
4
Multiple Intelligences Guide
Existentialist
Interpersonal
Intrapersonal
Kinesthetic/
Bodily
Logical/
Mathematical
Musical/Rhythmic
Naturalist
Verbal/Linguistic
Visual/Spatial
Application
Guided Practice
The teacher and students use the Internet to find different sources to gain more insight into
 unique ways bioenergy is created and used to support the energy needs around the world; and
 how automotive companies have increased the use of flex-fuel vehicles and the impact this will have
on bioenergy production.
Independent Practice
 Students research and compile a list of the number of flex-fuel vehicles in production this year.
 Students create a slide presentation with photos and specifications of various biomass sources used in
the production of bioenergy.
Summary
Review
Students review the terms from the Warm-up Activity and key points from the Introduction to Bioenergy slide
presentation.
Evaluation
Informal Assessment
Teacher will assess students with questions and answers. Students will discuss definitions of terms and key
points from the Introduction to Bioenergy slide presentation.
Formal Assessment
Teacher will administer the Introduction to Bioenergy Quiz.
Enrichment
Extension
Have students use the Internet to research the impact of bioenergy production on our environment and write
a 100-word paper.
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All rights reserved.
5
Name_____________________________________Date_______________________Class______________
Introduction to Bioenergy
Terms and Definitions
Use the Internet to research the definitions to the bioenergy terms below.
1. Bioenergy__________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
2. Organic matter ______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
3. Biomass ____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
4. Bioenergy feedstock __________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
5. Methane gas ________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
6. Pyrolysis ____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
7. Ethanol ____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
8. Biodiesel ___________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
9. Methanol ___________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
10. Gasification _________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
11. Flexible fuel vehicles __________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All rights reserved.
6
Introduction to Bioenergy
Terms and Definitions
Answer Key
1. Bioenergy- a renewable energy created from living organisms like wood and plant life
2. Organic matter- material composed of organic compounds that come from the remains of
former living animal and plant life and waste products in the environment
3. Biomass- a renewable energy source derived from living organisms like wood and other plant
life
4. Bioenergy feedstock- crops and industrial products like organic waste material and vegetable
oil that can be processed into biofuel and bioenergy products
5. Methane gas- an abundant, natural, chemical compound found in natural gas. Methane is good
fuel source but is difficult to transport from its source location
6. Pyrolysis- a process used to produce liquid fuels from biomass by heating the biomass product
in the absence of oxygen
7. Ethanol- a form of alcohol created by fermenting biomass products that contain high levels of
carbohydrates like sugars and starches
8. Biodiesel- a fuel created by combining an alcohol, like methanol, with animal fat or vegetable
oil to create an alternative to diesel fuel
9. Methanol- a form of alcohol that can be produced from wood, biomass, or natural gas; it is
used in fuel and diesel production and in the production of wooden boarding
10. Gasification- a process of creating fuel by vaporizing biomass products at high temperatures
and then removing impurities from the hot gases
11. Flexible fuel vehicles- vehicles that are designed to use two forms of fuel, at the same time; the
most commonly used fuels are unleaded gasoline and ethanol
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All rights reserved.
7
Name_____________________________________Date_______________________Class______________
Introduction to Bioenergy
Quiz
Directions
Read each question and circle the correct True or False answer.
1. Stones and soil can be processed as a reliable source material for bioenergy.
True or False
2. Landfills are a great source of methane gas that is created naturally as the organic
material underground decomposes.
True or False
3. Biomass products like wood are used as fuel to create steam to drive the electrical
generators.
True or False
4. Water from decaying biomass is used as a fuel to heat boilers for steam.
True or False
5. The pyrolysis process is used to create a liquid fuel.
True or False
6. Methane is created by fermenting biomass products that are high in carbohydrates.
True or False
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All rights reserved.
8
Introduction to Bioenergy
Quiz Answer Key
1. Stones and soil can be processed as a reliable source material for bioenergy.
Answer- False
2. Landfills are a great source of methane gas that is created naturally as the organic material
underground decomposes.
Answer- True
3. Biomass products like wood are used as fuel to create steam to drive the electrical generators.
Answer- True
4. Water from decaying biomass is used as a fuel to heat boilers for steam.
Answer- False
5. The pyrolysis process is used to create a liquid fuel.
Answer- True
6. Methane is created by fermenting biomass products that are high in carbohydrates.
Answer- False
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2014. All rights reserved.
9