LESSON 2: The State of Ethanol Use

SUBJECT: Math

OBJECTIVE: Students will use maps, graphs, and tables to learn about ethanol production and use, on a state by state basis.

MEASUREMENT: Students will be aware of ethanol production and use in the United States, particularly in their own state.

BACKGROUND FOR TEACHERS:

Ethanol production and use is steadily increasing in the United States. In the November 1998 LIFE magazine's "100 Best Things About America Now" issue, it was stated that "air friendly ethanol now represents 12 percent of U.S. fuel sales." This lags behind other countries-Brazil can operate nearly half of its cars on pure ethanol-but it IS progress!

STUDENT ACTIVITIES:

1. Ask students to read Hugh Buys a Car, paying close attention to the paragraph which describes Ford's vegetable car ".the gas tank contained a blend: 85 percent gasoline and 15 percent corn-derived ethanol."

2. Students can complete the worksheet. (Worksheet 1)

Last reviewed May 7, 2004