1. Alternative Fuels Webquest
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2. Introduction
The price of gasoline in the United States keeps increasing. Because most Americans depend upon personal vehicles to get from one place to another, this increase in price affects all of us. Gasoline is one of the products of the petroleum refining process. Much of the petroleum used in the United States is imported from overseas. This means that gasoline prices are tied to the prices that oil-exporting countries charge for crude oil.
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3. However, we have the ability to lessen our need for oil
However, we have the ability to lessen our need for oil. For the last thirty years, many researchers and scientists have been experimenting with alternatives to gasoline. Some alternative fuels have been developed that can be added to gasoline to reduce the overall cost. Other alternative fuels can be used directly in present-day engines. Most alternative fuels can be considered renewable resources because they can be replenished easily, and can never run out. Petroleum, on the other hand, is a nonrenewable resource that can be used up.
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4. What are alternative fuels and where do they come from
What are alternative fuels and where do they come from? What alternative fuels do we use today? In this WebQuest, you will explore alternative fuels and find the answers to some questions.
Click on the graphic to read through the set of questions on the next slide before you begin your Internet research. As you explore each site, look for answers to those questions.

5. TASK
Your job in this WebQuest is to discover what alternative fuels are and find out how the use of such fuels can reduce air pollution from vehicles. You will explore the different types of alternative fuels, and identify those that seem to be most cost-effective. You will also learn about other energy sources that could be used to power vehicles. In conclusion, you will answer a set of questions about alternative fuels to show what you have learned.
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6. Alternative Fuels Questions
What is an alternative fuel?
Give three examples of alternative fuels.
What is biomass?
Give three examples of biomass fuels.
What are the four types of biomass that can be converted into alternative fuels?
What is bioenergy?
What is biodiesel fuel? What is it made from?
What is ethanol? What is it made from?
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7. Resources
Look at the web sites provided to find the information that will help you to answer questions about alternative fuels.
Alternative Fuels Data Center. This U.S. Department of Energy site teaches about alternative fuels, alternative fuel vehicles, and refueling sites. In the frequently asked questions section you’ll discover the definition of alternative fuels. Explore the entire site for information on biodiesel fuel, electric fuel, ethanol, methanol, hydrogen, natural gas, propane, and more.
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8. Alternative Fuels. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) site provides more information about alternative fuels. Be sure to scroll down and click on clean fuels for an overview about what clean fuels are and how they can reduce air pollution cause by automobiles.
Bio Energy. The Farm Service Agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture provide this site to help you learn how they are seeking to expand the industrial consumption of agricultural products by promoting their use in the production of bioenergy, primarily ethanol and biodiesel fuel.
National Renewable Energy Laboratory. You will read in the U.S. Department of Energy site about a laboratory where scientists evaluate biomass fuels such as ethanol and methanol, as well as other renewable energy resources such as hydropower and wind energy.
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9. Beginning this Webquest did you know that there are so many different names for alternative fuels produced from living things? Besides alternative fuels, were you aware of what other types of renewable resources might be used to power vehicles?
This WebQuest has helped you become more informed about alternative fuels that can be used to power vehicles. You learned what biomass is and how it can be used to produce a wide variety of alternative fuels. You have also become more familiar about renewable energy resources.