Morristown-Hamblen High School East

1. Morristown-Hamblen High School East Perkins IV Career and Technical Education Grant � Biofuels Technology Program

2. Carl Perkins IV Career and Technical Education Grant Goals To develop and implement the Biofuels Technology Program at Morristown-Hamblen High School East (MHHSE) within the existing Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs for articulation of students into higher education as well as high-wage, high-skill, and high-demand professions. To achieve and sustain annual yearly performance requirements as established by the State of Tennessee and the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). The Biofuels Technology Program has demonstrated unprecedented success in its first year of implementation. As the first of its kind undertaking with limited academic tools (no textbooks in the subject area, no previous course structure, or unifying concepts of instruction) this course has converted concept into reality. As a unique contribution to the existing Career and Technical Education programs, this course prepares students for the emerging market based on alternative fuels and technologies. Skills acquired from laboratory, research, and testing are preparing students for employment in the high-skilled and high-wage professions that will transition from petroleum based fuels to a future based on renewable energy. Incorporating the skills and concepts of Project Lead The Way, the biofuels technology course used performance based testing as the model for success. Nowhere was this more evident than in the selection of research projects for the Southern Appalachian Science and Engineering Fair competition in which students received recognition for manufacturing process equipment and testing procedures for biofuels that they created in their laboratories. The response of the higher education community to this program has been overwhelmingly positive. Students have been afforded opportunities for summer internships at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Future considerations are being made for participation at the Oak Ridge Associated Universities Summer Research Institute. Meetings are planned this summer with the University of Tennessee-Knoxville and regional community colleges to identify opportunities that promote these students into newly emerging alternative energy programs in higher education. The first class to successfully complete the Biofuels Technology course established a level of performance and expectation consistent with achieving annual yearly performance requirements. They excelled in the classroom and the laboratory, as well as in competition with other students across East Tennessee. They have been recognized by the student body, faculty and the East Tennessee community for their superior performance and exceptional commitment to biofuels research and development. This class has established an instant reputation for success and excellence far beyond the expectations originally proposed for this course. Continued achievement and sustained commitment in subsequent courses will enhance Morristown-Hamblen High School East�s achievement in meeting annual yearly performance requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act. The Biofuels Technology Program has demonstrated unprecedented success in its first year of implementation. As the first of its kind undertaking with limited academic tools (no textbooks in the subject area, no previous course structure, or unifying concepts of instruction) this course has converted concept into reality. As a unique contribution to the existing Career and Technical Education programs, this course prepares students for the emerging market based on alternative fuels and technologies. Skills acquired from laboratory, research, and testing are preparing students for employment in the high-skilled and high-wage professions that will transition from petroleum based fuels to a future based on renewable energy. Incorporating the skills and concepts of Project Lead The Way, the biofuels technology course used performance based testing as the model for success. Nowhere was this more evident than in the selection of research projects for the Southern Appalachian Science and Engineering Fair competition in which students received recognition for manufacturing process equipment and testing procedures for biofuels that they created in their laboratories. The response of the higher education community to this program has been overwhelmingly positive. Students have been afforded opportunities for summer internships at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Future considerations are being made for participation at the Oak Ridge Associated Universities Summer Research Institute. Meetings are planned this summer with the University of Tennessee-Knoxville and regional community colleges to identify opportunities that promote these students into newly emerging alternative energy programs in higher education. The first class to successfully complete the Biofuels Technology course established a level of performance and expectation consistent with achieving annual yearly performance requirements. They excelled in the classroom and the laboratory, as well as in competition with other students across East Tennessee. They have been recognized by the student body, faculty and the East Tennessee community for their superior performance and exceptional commitment to biofuels research and development. This class has established an instant reputation for success and excellence far beyond the expectations originally proposed for this course. Continued achievement and sustained commitment in subsequent courses will enhance Morristown-Hamblen High School East�s achievement in meeting annual yearly performance requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act.

3. Grand Design Curriculum Development & Implementation Laboratory Activities (Chemistry) Individual and Team Research (Science Fair Projects) Materials/Equipment Acquisition

4. Curriculum Development & Implementation To provide students with background information on renewable energy and biofuels Operational Information (Techniques and Procedures) Specific Knowledge (Special Topics) Students have successfully completed more than 60 hours of classroom instruction on the structure and function of the commercial petrofuels industry and major types of biofuel feedstocks. Students prepared reports on the requirements and potential of different feedstocks for biodiesel and bioethanol production, economic and environmental implications associated with large-scale implementation of alternative fuels, equipment and production methods for pretreating and processing feedstocks, and future sources of biodiesel and bioethanol from algae and cellulosic materials. Biofuels Technology Grant students successfully transitioned into Agriculture Mechanics in the spring semester. Students were divided into two teams: Team 1 is designing and constructing a biodiesel powered transport vehicle Team 2 is conducting a feasibility study for creating a mobile biodiesel processing unitStudents have successfully completed more than 60 hours of classroom instruction on the structure and function of the commercial petrofuels industry and major types of biofuel feedstocks. Students prepared reports on the requirements and potential of different feedstocks for biodiesel and bioethanol production, economic and environmental implications associated with large-scale implementation of alternative fuels, equipment and production methods for pretreating and processing feedstocks, and future sources of biodiesel and bioethanol from algae and cellulosic materials. Biofuels Technology Grant students successfully transitioned into Agriculture Mechanics in the spring semester. Students were divided into two teams: Team 1 is designing and constructing a biodiesel powered transport vehicle Team 2 is conducting a feasibility study for creating a mobile biodiesel processing unit

5. Laboratory Activities Equipment Operation Process Knowledge and Experience Performance Testing Experimental Design Data Collection, Analyses, and Report Preparation Application of Regulatory Requirements Moved into a larger laboratory facility to accommodate more expansive demonstrations and experiments. Students have been able to undertake a wide variety of experiments examining the physical and chemical nature of biofuels using different feed stocks. Students have successfully performed laboratory experiments in: transesterification of plant and animal oils into biodiesel, analysis and comparison of biodiesel vs. petroleum diesel lubricity, performed 5 different ASTM tests for contaminants in biodiesel, cloud point and pour point testing of diesel fuels, rendering oils from raw animal materials, and isolated soap from transesterification process.Moved into a larger laboratory facility to accommodate more expansive demonstrations and experiments. Students have been able to undertake a wide variety of experiments examining the physical and chemical nature of biofuels using different feed stocks. Students have successfully performed laboratory experiments in: transesterification of plant and animal oils into biodiesel, analysis and comparison of biodiesel vs. petroleum diesel lubricity, performed 5 different ASTM tests for contaminants in biodiesel, cloud point and pour point testing of diesel fuels, rendering oils from raw animal materials, and isolated soap from transesterification process.

6. Laboratory ActivitiesApplication/Testing Testing Student Created Fuels Diesel Engines Gasoline/Ethanol Engines Two Cycle Four Cycle Individual Applications Pumps Generators Transportation Other We have acquired different engine systems (gasoline and diesel powered: water pumps, electric generators, and engines for transportation applications) which will be modified to receive ethanol gasoline blends and various forms of biodiesel fuels. The gasoline engines will be recarborated and the biodiesel engines will not require modification. We have acquired and modified small (2.5 hp) diesel engines for use in laboratory testing. We have acquired and tested a state-of-the-art seed oil press to investigate unconventional sources of plant oilsWe have acquired different engine systems (gasoline and diesel powered: water pumps, electric generators, and engines for transportation applications) which will be modified to receive ethanol gasoline blends and various forms of biodiesel fuels. The gasoline engines will be recarborated and the biodiesel engines will not require modification. We have acquired and modified small (2.5 hp) diesel engines for use in laboratory testing. We have acquired and tested a state-of-the-art seed oil press to investigate unconventional sources of plant oils

7. Laboratory ActivitiesApplication/Testing Performance Testing Uniform Power Cycle Maximum Power Output Exhaust Emissions

8. Individual and Team Research Biofuels Based Application to Global Energy Problems Comprehensive Scope Research Report Required Participation in Science Fair Competition or Other Public Forum Initiated individual research projects intended for competition at the regional and state level demonstrating the viability of biofuel production from such diverse aspects as bio-ethanol production from algae to fabrication of high grade fuel stocks from byproduct streams such as waste glycerol. Research projects were specifically conducted in the following areas: 1. creation of a solid biodiesel as an alternative to liquid petrochemical products, 2. evaluation of multiple alkali and alkaline earth hydroxides to enhance performance of new biodiesel feedstocks, 3. design and construction of a mini biodiesel reactor for classroom demonstrations and small-scale testing of oils, 4. blending of additives with chicken biodiesel stock to increase temperature performance in colder climates, 5. evaluation of sweet potato as a potential bioethanol fuel source, 6. evaluation of waste streams from regional commercial bakeries as potential sources bioethanol production, 7. enhanced performance of oil producing micro algae using supersaturated carbon dioxide environments, susceptibility of different biodiesel stocks to fungal and bacterial breakdown under different environmental conditions accelerated growth of euglena colonies using cohabitation with aquatic fungal species. Initiated individual research projects intended for competition at the regional and state level demonstrating the viability of biofuel production from such diverse aspects as bio-ethanol production from algae to fabrication of high grade fuel stocks from byproduct streams such as waste glycerol. Research projects were specifically conducted in the following areas: 1. creation of a solid biodiesel as an alternative to liquid petrochemical products, 2. evaluation of multiple alkali and alkaline earth hydroxides to enhance performance of new biodiesel feedstocks, 3. design and construction of a mini biodiesel reactor for classroom demonstrations and small-scale testing of oils, 4. blending of additives with chicken biodiesel stock to increase temperature performance in colder climates, 5. evaluation of sweet potato as a potential bioethanol fuel source, 6. evaluation of waste streams from regional commercial bakeries as potential sources bioethanol production, 7. enhanced performance of oil producing micro algae using supersaturated carbon dioxide environments, susceptibility of different biodiesel stocks to fungal and bacterial breakdown under different environmental conditions accelerated growth of euglena colonies using cohabitation with aquatic fungal species.

9. Southern Appalachian Science & Engineering Fair Team Projects: Potential of Heterotrophic Algae for Enhanced Biodiesel Production Biodegradability of Different Biodiesel Stocks Under Long Term Storage Conditions Individual Projects: Miniature Biodiesel Processor for Under $100 Comparison of Alkali and Alkaline Earth Hydroxides to Enhance Performance of Biodiesel Feedstocks Two team and two individual science fair projects competed in the senior level division at the Southern Appalachian Science and Engineering Fair held April 6-9, 2009 at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Team Projects: Potential of Heterotrophic Algae for Enhanced Biodiesel Production Biodegradability of Different Biodiesel Stocks Under Long Term Storage Conditions Individual Projects: Miniature Biodiesel Processor for Under $100 Comparison of Alkali and Alkaline Earth Hydroxides to Enhance Performance of Biodiesel Feedstocks One individual project placed third, one team project placed fourth, and one team project placed fifth in the competition. All students were recognized in additional categories by outside agencies and received monetary awards. We are extraordinarily proud of our students as it was the first time ever participating at this competition. Two team and two individual science fair projects competed in the senior level division at the Southern Appalachian Science and Engineering Fair held April 6-9, 2009 at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Team Projects: Potential of Heterotrophic Algae for Enhanced Biodiesel Production Biodegradability of Different Biodiesel Stocks Under Long Term Storage Conditions Individual Projects: Miniature Biodiesel Processor for Under $100 Comparison of Alkali and Alkaline Earth Hydroxides to Enhance Performance of Biodiesel Feedstocks One individual project placed third, one team project placed fourth, and one team project placed fifth in the competition. All students were recognized in additional categories by outside agencies and received monetary awards. We are extraordinarily proud of our students as it was the first time ever participating at this competition.

10. Achievements Established new course framework Acquired a vast inventory of equipment and materials Received contributions from individuals, biodiesel producers, and diesel manufacturers Presentation to the National Transportation Research Center at Oak Ridge National Laboratory Demonstrated superior student performance Identified directions for future investigations and classroom activities On Thursday, June 4, 2009, Dr. Gant and Dr. Sigler made a presentation to the National Transportation Research Center (NTRC) at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Our presentation consisted of providing background information on Morristown-Hamblen High School East and an overview of our Biofuels Technology Program. After the presentation, we toured the facility and discussed ways in which the NTRC might assist our students and faculty in the continuation of our Biofuels Technology Program. Items discussed included a biofuels summer camp for middle school students, student tours of the NTRC facility, testing of student biofuels, and NTRC summer internships for students.On Thursday, June 4, 2009, Dr. Gant and Dr. Sigler made a presentation to the National Transportation Research Center (NTRC) at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Our presentation consisted of providing background information on Morristown-Hamblen High School East and an overview of our Biofuels Technology Program. After the presentation, we toured the facility and discussed ways in which the NTRC might assist our students and faculty in the continuation of our Biofuels Technology Program. Items discussed included a biofuels summer camp for middle school students, student tours of the NTRC facility, testing of student biofuels, and NTRC summer internships for students.

11. Challenges to Creating a Model Program Lack of consistent information across research, academia, government, and industry Translation of research and industry data into high school appropriate level Changing national policies and industry direction 1. Identifying the specific test equipment appropriate for the high school student (i.e., gas chromatograph vs. gas sampling tubes) 2. Compiling and editing the scientific and technical literature to a level appropriate for high school students (i.e., engineering analysis of exhaust gas stream from diesel power system for students who have yet to take thermal dynamics) 3. Acquiring and scheduling equipment for delivery in a timely fashion 4. No existing model at the high school level for a course of this scope 5. Lack a credible textbook at the high school level 6. To develop core text materials and laboratory procedures based upon student performance during the first semester 7. To expand the course into different areas which provide specific information about equipment operation and safety (i.e. seed press for oil extraction, gas chromatography, and centrifugation) 8. To create a modified diesel and gasoline engine set suitable for real time testing of student produced fuels 9. Obtaining donated equipment and materials promised from local vendors/companies in a timely fashion in order to then be able to determine the most appropriate use of the remaining grant funds 10. To continue to integrate public support into classroom activities and research projects 11. Performing the analysis and the recarboration of gasoline engines to dual fuel configuration (E85 fuel) 12. Constructing a portable biodiesel processor adaptable to multiple environments 13. To develop analytical procedures and supporting documentation suitable for student testing of modified dual fuel engines1. Identifying the specific test equipment appropriate for the high school student (i.e., gas chromatograph vs. gas sampling tubes) 2. Compiling and editing the scientific and technical literature to a level appropriate for high school students (i.e., engineering analysis of exhaust gas stream from diesel power system for students who have yet to take thermal dynamics) 3. Acquiring and scheduling equipment for delivery in a timely fashion 4. No existing model at the high school level for a course of this scope 5. Lack a credible textbook at the high school level 6. To develop core text materials and laboratory procedures based upon student performance during the first semester 7. To expand the course into different areas which provide specific information about equipment operation and safety (i.e. seed press for oil extraction, gas chromatography, and centrifugation) 8. To create a modified diesel and gasoline engine set suitable for real time testing of student produced fuels 9. Obtaining donated equipment and materials promised from local vendors/companies in a timely fashion in order to then be able to determine the most appropriate use of the remaining grant funds 10. To continue to integrate public support into classroom activities and research projects 11. Performing the analysis and the recarboration of gasoline engines to dual fuel configuration (E85 fuel) 12. Constructing a portable biodiesel processor adaptable to multiple environments 13. To develop analytical procedures and supporting documentation suitable for student testing of modified dual fuel engines

12. Future Directions Engine Exhaust Analysis Air Quality Modeling Algae Culture to Biodiesel Fuel Expand Participation in SASEF Enter Renewable Energy Competitions

13. Advice Identify a set of core objectives that can be executed without regard to changes in national policies or directives. Focus on community involvement as a source of materials, guest speakers, and opportunities for field trips. Incorporate as many locally obtainable materials as possible to prevent procurement delays. Complete a major class project, in addition to individual work, that focuses the resources of the students and serves as an example of the work that can be expected by future classes.