The United States today lags in the number of students earning college degrees in STEM areas (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math).
Many students declare majors in STEM areas only to change their course of study once they realize the work involved in completing a degree. High school teachers today continually seek new, innovative methods of finding ways to get students excited about science.
Shepard High School physics teacher Brian Sievers offers a fine example. He and his students have been working on an ambitious, creative project.
They're building a biodiesel reactor. Powered by solar energy, the mini-refinery will transform used cooking oil into diesel fuel.
Once completed, the reactor will produce fuel that can be used in any diesel engine. Solar panels make the project completely 'green.'
They're building the biodiesel reactor at the Crestwood Public Works building. They will donate the reactor to the village -- already, Sievers and his students have discussed plans to build a bigger reactor for permanent location in Shepard's new science wing.
Watch them to go to work in this video.
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