Spotlight on the Seventh Grade, Northeast Region, First Place Team; JUNIOR WIN TEAM
Region: Northeast
Grade: 7
School: Westerly Innovations Network
City, State: Westerly, Rhode Island
Team Advisor: Jyasheng Lin
Students: Vanessa Bertsch, Taylor Fiore-Chettiar, Cassandra Lin, John Perino
Mission Challenge: Alternative Sources of Energy
“JUNIOR WIN TEAM” was recognized by judges for its efforts to convert waste cooking oil (WCO) into biodiesel. The team hypothesized that turning WCO into a fuel alternative would reduce the need for commonly used petroleum-based diesel fuel, which is both expensive and harmful to the environment; create a way to dispose of WCO that does not clog the sewer system; and provide a more affordable heating alternative to local families in need. The team conducted several experiments to create the alternative fuel source and worked with a lab director at a local sewer plant to determine its effectiveness on reducing clogging in the sewer systems. When this was proven effective, the students launched Project T.G.I.F. (Turn Grease Into Fuel) and marketed their program to community members and local restaurants to collect their WCO. The team has already donated 9,200 gallons of its alternative heat source to the local community.
Each student on JUNIOR WIN TEAM has won $3,000.00 in U.S. EE Savings Bonds, a certificate of recognition from the U.S. Army and an expenses-paid trip to the National Judging and Educational Event in Washington D.C. in June to present their final projects and compete for an additional $5,000.00 in U.S. EE Savings Bonds.
To view the full list of the 2010-2011 eCYBERMISSION state and regional winning teams, click here.
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