The Biodeisel project at Newton North High School was launched with a $400 grant from the PTSO. The small tank pictured here was purchased with those funds and this was just the beginning of an innovative curriculum design. Since that first bit of seed money, the program has benefited with donations from MIT, http://www.savethatstuff.com/, and more.
Personally I have learned that biodeisel fuel is green fuel made from wasted vegetable oil. The students of North created a fuel production laboratory to recycle the leftover oil from the Newton North cafeteria. Read about the fuel lab here. I also hear they have an Algae Lab up and growing.
This busy operation is actually an exciting new way for students to become engaged in learning. The integrated curriculum combines several disciplines into one (STEM: science, technology, engineering, mathematics.) In addition, students are applying concepts learned from business, finance, physics, production safety, communications and more. The best part is that the problem solving strategies are used to help local and global communities. Contact: Greengineers1@gmail.com
I like to think others will learn from such brilliant curriculum design. If you enjoyed hearing about this program, please let me know. I’m happy to investigate more.