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Effectiveness of a Biodiesel Education Program for Secondary School Students

Published by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, St. Joseph, Michigan www.asabe.org

Citation:  2010 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, June 20 - June 23, 2010  1008606.(doi:10.13031/2013.29669)
Authors:   Clayton W Sallee, First Name Middle Name Surname, Jason A Davis, First Name Middle Name Surname, Donald M Johnson, First Name Middle Name Surname, Don W Edgar, First Name Middle Name Surname, George W Wardlow
Keywords:   biodiesel, demonstration, education, engine performance, evaluation, exhaust emissions, teaching.

A 2 h educational program on biodiesel production, quality, performance, and emissions was developed and delivered to students (N = 199) in 14 classes at eight public secondary schools. The program was conducted over two days in each class and consisted of a lecture-discussion (Day 1) and an engine performance demonstration and discussion (Day 2). A pre-test post-test design was used to measure changes in students knowledge and perceptions of biodiesel as a result of the educational program. Students knowledge of biodiesel increased significantly (p<.0001), with post-test knowledge scores increasing 107% relative to pre-test knowledge scores (61.5% vs. 30.1% correct). Students initial perceptions of biodiesel were fairly positive (pre-test mean =3.85 on a 1-5 scale) and did not significantly (p = .20) increase as a result of the educational program (post-test mean = 3.94). Students were very positive toward both the lecture-discussion and engine demonstration components of the educational program; however, they were significantly (p < .0001) more positive toward the engine demonstration.

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