Ethanol: Pros and Cons
Provided by: Project Look Sharp|Published on: April 27, 2021|Last updated: September 26, 2026
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Type: Lesson Plans
Subjects: Earth and Space Sciences, Economics
Authors: Project Look Sharp, Sox Sperry
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- In this activity from Project Look Sharp, students use media literacy skills to evaluate opposing statements and video clips about the environmental value of replacing fossil fuels with ethanol.
- The resource includes student activities, a student handout, a lesson plan, and two video clips.
Teaching Materials
Positives
- This lesson shows students how media bias can affect people's opinions on climate change topics.
- The worksheet does a good job of asking students to reflect on their own beliefs regarding ethanol before they start reading about it.
Prerequisites
- Teachers must create a free account to use this resource.
- Teachers may want to go over this handout on analyzing media messages with students before students complete the worksheet.
- The lesson plan refers to a "constructivist media decoding process," details about which can be found here. The materials are very helpful for understanding the goals and design of the lesson.
- Teachers may want to take time to research the sources to understand the different perspectives and biases before teaching the lesson.
Differentiation & Implementation
- Students can respond to questions individually or in small groups before discussing the answers as a class.
- Social studies, debate, or ethics classes could discuss the danger of consuming media from a single outlet. Students can reflect on the following questions:
- Is there value in hearing two perspectives on an issue, such as ethanol production and use?
- How can you seek out multiple perspectives on an issue?
- Would you prefer to consume media that only shows the perspective you already agree with? why or why not?
- Other resources on this topic include this video on why biomass is not widely used and this video that shows the pros and cons of producing and using biofuels.
There is no contradiction in the resource. This resource is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
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