Algae as a biofuel: An interdisciplinary high school curriculum incorporating engineering, biology and education

The College of Engineering, the College of Arts & Sciences, and the Center for Teacher Education at Ohio Northern University developed and implemented two parts of a four-module curriculum titled "Biomass as an Alternative Energy Source" for use in a Wind/Energy Academy within a local school district. The curriculum introduces students to the current topic of biomass, specifically algae, as a potential energy source. The modules are designed to present the science behind this energy source within a variety of contexts. This alternative energy curriculum is designed to encompass four modules, each six to nine weeks in length. The modules are designed to ideally be used in grades 9-12, one module per year. The two completed modules consist of the following topics: 1. Biology of Algae 2. Culturing of Algae Further modules to be developed for a complete curriculum include: 3. Harvesting and Processing Algae 4. Algae Capstone Design The first module introduces algae through discovery of naturally occurring algae, from the introduction of the use of microscopes through field collection and categorization of different algae. In the second module, students study design of experiments and the Taguchi method to optimize the number of tanks necessary to study the effect of variables on algal growth, and establish and study algal microcosms in the second module. The Ohio Academic Content Standards in Science are tied to each module. The curriculum is using the 5-E Learning Cycle which emphasizes an inquiry-based approach. Students work in collaborative groups and conduct research in each module. Each module is interdisciplinary (including content areas such as mathematics, language arts, and social studies) and is project-based or problem-based. The curriculum is designed to be engaging, challenging, motivating, and designed around real-world issues, and could be implemented within appropriate K-12 programs. This paper will detail the modules which have been developed, along with lessons learned and details necessary to implement this curriculum within a K-12 program. The modules remaining to be developed will be described. The relationship to state educational standards will be discussed.