Part of the Warhorse personality is about being kind to others by sharing information. Like many stories, it has a beginning, but we don't know the end--hopefully there won't be an ending, but a continuation. Here's the tale: Sergei Zelevsky is the AP Chemistry teacher at Polk County High School in Columbus, NC. After our discussions about biodiesel and a few class trips to my home shop, he decided to make a trial run of biodiesel with his students. This video shows the date in progress in the 2 week biodiesel project. Here you can see a few students evaluating two cleaning processes--water and red oak sawdust. Stoic-and-steadfast-senior-class-salutatorian Trey Couch and Mr. Z are comparing which process works more efficiently. During 5th period, I'd zip out of my senior English classroom and up to their classroom and see their progress.
As the story continues, Mr. Z. and fellow science teacher Kim Mirasola plan to explore how to make biodiesel from algae (this is outside my range of knowledge, but I do think there's some algae growing in my dish washer). In fact, we want this first date to blossom and evolve into a more developed, long-term relationship: a biodiesel processor on school campus. Since nearby Clemson University and Appalachian State University has "Sustainable Engineering" course and Biodiesel Collaborative Project" and A-B Technical Institute has a Bio-Technology Program, we hope to get some guidance from them and solidify a permanent relationship with PCHS and biodiesel. It's a great way for students to explore the research and development that is going on all over the world--alternative energy sources. Plus, Mr. Zelevesky and our other science teachers see biodiesel as a way to practice applied chemistry concepts. It would really be cool if this marriage could produce some creative offspring by including neighboring high schools in this "real world" science project. Hey, a RS Central Hilltopper and a Hendersonville Bearcat have made biodiesel at my shop for their senior graduation projects. Let's embrace our rivalries PCHS Wolverines and invite them on this journey!
T. Weicker
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