Table of Contents
The Curriculum

Module 1:  Introduction to Ethanol
	The Challenges
	What is Ethanol?
	History
	Why Ethanol Now?
	Worldwide
	The Future
	Study Questions
	Projects
	Ethanol Survey Questions

Module 2:  Science and Technology
	How It Is Made
	Commercial Production
	Technology
	What's in a Bushel of Corn?
	Energy
	Study Questions
	Project

Module 3:  Ethanol Economics
	The National Scene
	Iowa
	Agriculture
	Production and Price
	Study Questions
	Projects

Module 4:  The Environment
	Effects
	Results
	Study Questions
	Project

Module 5:  Ethanol:  The Fuel
	What is Fuel Ethanol?
	The Car Owner
	The Automotive Technician
	Non-Automotive Use
	E-85 Ethanol fuel
	Study Questions
	Projects

Glossary

Projects and Activities for Students

Additional Resources for Instructors
	Ethanol Information Overview
	Who to Contact?
	Internet Web Sites
	References & Additional Reading
	Ethanol Evaluation

Answers to Study Questions & Evaluation



Published November 1998    -    Revised September 2001






The Curriculum


This curriculum on ethanol and its use as a fuel was developed at the request 
of the Iowa Corn Promotion Board in response to the need for instructional materials
on ethanol and its effect on vehicle performance, the environment, and the economy.

Ethanol, a renewable alternative energy source made from Iowa corn, can serve 
as an excellent learning opportunity for students to use in issue-clarification and
problem-solving activities.  Ethanol illustrates that science and technology can 
provide us with new products and new uses for products.  This curriculum provides
teachers and students with the basics needed to understand the use and production
of ethanol.  After sorting out the facts, students can reach their own conclusions 
about using ethanol as a fuel in their vehicles and if it is in state and national 
interest to use it as a fuel.

Use of this curriculum begins with Module 1:  Introduction to Ethanol.  This module
contains basic challenges, history, and reasons for alternative fuels, especially 
ethanol.  This curriculum may be taught as a unit or topics may be integrated into
other units of instruction.  It is suggested that Module 1 be used to lay the 
groundwork for any number of the remaining  modules.

Goals and Objectives

This curriculum was written to assist those teaching in grades nine and up.  It is 
applicable for use in Science, Social Studies, Mathematics, Statistics, Vocational
Agriculture, Driver Education, Tech Prep, Industrial Education, Automotive 
Technology, and Language Arts courses.  After completion of this curriculum, 
students will be able to:
	a.  Identify the process of converting corn to ethanol.
	b.  Identify the energy relationships between science, society, and 
	    agriculture.
	c.  Determine strengths and concerns of using ethanol as a motor fuel.
	d.  Develop skills in problem solving and personal decision making.







Acknowledgments


This curriculum was compiled by Rex Weber, Auto Service Technology Instructor and
Fuel Quality Consultant, Northwest Iowa Community College, Sheldon, IA.  This 
material was reviewed for technical content by Fuel Quality Consultants, Dave Lagoo,
Sheldon; Roger Beck, Cedar Falls; Norm Lang, LeMars; and Steven Mikesell, Chariton.
Suggestions were also solicited from the following instructors:  Kirstin Arthur, 
Science; Claude Struve, Industrial Education & Principles of Technology; Chuck 
Johnson, Mathematics and Drivers Education; and Gene Bomgaars, Agricultural 
Education.  Special thanks to Bernice Metz, NCC Business & Industry Center 
Secretary, for the preparation & production of this project.

Funds for the development of this curriculum were provided by the Iowa Corn 
Promotion Board.  Any part of this curriculum may be reproduced for educational use.
Additional copies are available by contacting the ICPB, 1200 35th Street, #306, 
West Des Moines, IA 50266.




 

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