The success or failure of new products depends greatly upon the perceptions
of potential users. New products often fail because few people learn about
them or because they are misunderstood. Sometimes falsehoods are spread
by those wanting to keep new products from displacing what is currently in use.
For various other reasons, some products quickly become popular. In this
activity, students:

1. Ask family members, neighbors and friends what they know or believe
   about ethanol
2. Learn about the use made of E10 blends in their automobiles
   
   In doing so, students use language and interviewing skills, record and analyze
   data, and report results.
   
   Procedure:
   
   Design a questionnaire similar to the one below and run off enough so that a
   separate copy can be used for each interview. Once students have collected
   and tabulated their data, compute appropriate statistics (averages, percentages,
   etc.) and discuss the results. In what ways do the perceptions of those surveyed
    agree or disagree with what is presented in this fastback?

SURVEY QUESTIONS TO STUDENTS:

Read these questions aloud to family, friends, and neighbors and
record their responses. Use a separate sheet for each interview.
 

1. Do you use gasoline? Yes ____ No ___

   If so, does it contain ethanol? Yes ___ No ___
   If your answer is yes, why do you use gas containing ethanol?

Availibility?  Price? Vehicle performance? Helps farmers?   Other?

2. What is ethanol made from?

Coal?    Forest Products?   Corn?    Sugar cane?    Other?
(If the person doesn’t answer “corn”, be sure to mention during the interview that most of the ethanol we use is made from corn.

3. Do you agree or disagree with these three statements?

a. When blended with gasoline, ethanol boosts octane the way lead does, but without polluting the air or endangering health. AGREE/DISAGREE

b. When an engine is fueled by gasoline containing ethanol, fewer engine deposits are left than when using straight gasoline. AGREE/DISAGREE

c. Using ethanol/gasoline blends for a long time will harm an automobile engine. AGREE/DISAGREE

OPTIONAL: If you are not already using ethanol, would you be willing to test drive ethanol belended gaosoline for your next few fill-ups? YES/NO
If YES, when may I check back with you for your impressions?