Taking Action Assignment Alternative Fuels

My project discusses the top alternative fuels that are used in cars instead of gasoline. I asked some students what they knew about alternative fuels. I also showed them a video explaining the pros and cons of both, then answered any questions they had. Introduction

How it relates This project relates to Lesson 4. Which is about Technology and Information. Scientists are working on new fuels, and effective ways to use those fuels in cars. These alternative fuels are becoming more relevant and necessary as gas prices go up. Alternative fuels will help us be more energy efficient and will replace petroleum as its quantity starts to decline.

Problems it addresses There are two main issues alternative fuels help to fix. First that oil is a limited resource and we will need a new one. Oil can also affect our relationships with other countries, because of our need for this resource in everyday life. If Petroleum ran out right now there would be many problems. People in large cities could possibly starve, because there would be no way to transport such large amounts of food without gasoline.

Problems it addresses cont. The second issue that alternative fuels can help to solve is pollution. Petroleum when burned gives off green house gases, which many people worry is leading to global warming.

Description of the activity The first step in my project was to research the subject thoroughly by researching it on the internet and watching videos on the subject. I found a video called the future of fuels, it is a ten minute video that helped summarize most of these fuels. Then I asked 11 students which alternative fuel they had heard the most about and which they thought would be most effective. The top two answers were electric cars, and hydrogen fuel.

Description Cont. One student said they prefer gasoline, and that they will be dead before it runs out. Another already well informed student said they thought algae biofuel was the best. I then showed them the video to inform them of the other fuels. The students who choose electric cars seemed to stick with their choice. But a couple of students that said hydrogen realized that it was expensive, they said it was still an option but might not be the best.

How it Influenced the problem It helped to give them more information on these fuels so they can make more informed decisions if they come across this subject. For example, if they are planning to buy a car powered by an alternative fuel. Or if they are voting on legislature that has to do with one of these fuels.

Summary I think in the next twenty years these new fuels will start to become a much bigger part of our lives. Most people agree that it would be a very good thing to find a new fuel with less pollution, and that is not a limited resource. Overall I felt my project went well, I learned a lot about alternative fuel, and I helped tell others about these fuels.

References (website) The race for the future car: The future of fuels: Intro to alternative fuels-the electric vehicle: Who killed the electric car? (movie)