I wrote these lessons and labs with the intention of replace my "standard" chemistry labs. I found a way to work biodiesel into almost every chapter in the standard first year chemistry textbook. Of course, these labs can also be used or modified for environmental science or other courses.

Entire Document

Title Page & Table of Contents

Introduction: What Is Biodiesel? (a webquest)

Measurement & Equipment: Making Biodiesel Blends

Physical Properties: Specific Gravity of Biodiesel Blends

Isotopes: Determining Biobased Content Through Radiocarbon

Periodic Trends: Making Soap from Biodiesel Waste

Bonding & Polarity: The Molecules of Biodiesel

Chemical Reactions: Combustion Engines & Atmospheric Chemistry

Moles & Molar Mass: Composition of Oil

Stoichiometry: Making Biodiesel (single phase rxn)

Properties of Liquids & Intermolecular Forces: Testing Properties of Biodiesel

Solutions: Freezing Point Depression of Biodiesel

Heat/Thermodynamics: Heat Content of Biodiesel

Rates of Reactions: Catalyst Differences in Biodiesel

Equilibrium & LeChatelier: Two-Phase Method of Making Biodiesel

Acids & Bases: Acid Number of Feedstock & Washing Biodiesel

Extension Activities & Other Resources

Lab Grading Rubric