From the Cafeteria to the Gas Tank (A Learn and Serve America Subgrantee)

It's lunch time at Heritage High School and the teachers are discussing their weekend. Gwen Thompson, our Advanced Placement Chemistry and Physics teacher shares how she attempted to create bio-diesel in her home. Jim Neiman, the Careers in Technical Education teacher, takes an interest in Gwen’s idea. Both instructors have recently purchased vehicles that run on diesels. Gwen knows that the school cafeteria produces thousands of gallons of fats and oils that can be combined with other ingredients to produce bio-diesel. Why not make this a class project? So after some discussion, Gwen and Jim presented the idea of creating bio-diesel to their students, who became highly engaged in the project and discovered how to produce bio-diesel on a large scale.

In February, the students presented their findings to the Evergreen School Board with each student explaining his or her learning and contribution to the process. The students then passed out glycerol soap (a by-product) to the audience. The students received a standing ovation from the large crowd, and Superintendent John Deeder and members of the school board were impressed by the students and their commitment to the project. It’s clear that Gwen and Jim's idea of integrating the curriculum and thinking outside the box has had a major impact on students and teachers alike. The students are already talking about expanding this project next year and teaming with a marketing class, as well as the Evergreen Transportation Department, to help market the fuel. Their long-term goal is to produce enough fuel to supply some of the district's buses.