Iowa: Corn and Climate

Notes from our reviewers

The CLEAN collection is hand-picked and rigorously reviewed for scientific accuracy and classroom effectiveness. Read what our review team had to say about this resource below or learn more about how CLEAN reviews teaching materials.

• Teaching Tips
  Educators can implement several techniques to enhance the learning experience with the video. The topic lends itself to student debates on farming and the future, the pros/cons of biofuels, and a cost analysis of alternative fuels. Students can research and compare other potential benefits and drawbacks of other research technologies that produce fuel - for example, fuel produced from algae. See also other resources on the CLEAN site that can support a lesson on biofuels.
• About the Science
  Video, produced in 2009, explores turning corn into ethanol as an alternative to gasoline. The rush to turn corn into ethanol has been profitable for Iowa's farmers, but accompanying research has uncovered some energy and climate drawbacks. It takes a lot of fossil fuel to grow and process corn into ethanol â so much that only about 20% of each gallon of corn ethanol represents new energy. Comments from expert scientist: The material briefly presents current issue and science associated with croplands for biofuel production. Cites current science at the time. The science is sound but this material is part science, part story telling with anecdotes and politics thrown in. The material works as intended, but the material is getting old and the science, politics, and business around the issue are changing.
• About the Pedagogy
  This video also highlights the inter-connectedness of global agriculture, climate change, and economies. Background information very closely linked with the text of the video is provided. Transcript can be found in a pull-down menu but not downloaded. See also [link http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/teachers/lessonplans/science/ethanol_interactive.html]
• Technical Details/Ease of Use
  Video can be downloaded in several version sizes. This video requires Adobe Flash player (may not be suitable for viewing on a tablet or other device).