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Division of Educational Programs - Teacher Resources |
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MOTION MINUS PETROL (MMP) is a partnership project between British Petroleum (BP) and the science department at Bloom Township High School, District 206 , in Chicago Heights Illinois . The project is the brain-child of chemistry teacher, Chris Clausing, after participating two years at Argonne National Laboratory in the DOE ACTS program . Chris was motivated to open the eyes of his students to the looming energy crisis by completely immersing them in an authentic bio-fuels project. Chris needed a sponsor, so he applied for a BP grant and his district was awarded twice the amount of his original request -> $40,000. A multi-year partnership was struck! The main focus has been the hands-on development of ethanol and biodiesel, and later on, solar-power and wind technology. During the first year, students generated their own fuel in the classroom. Ethanol was made using field corn and biodiesel was made from used vegetable oil from the student cafeteria. Next, the autoshop students built several go-carts that ran on a 50%-and-above mixture of ethanol & gasoline, or ran on 100% biodiesel. These go-carts have received much attention, being driven at three large district alternative energy fairs, and demoed at several traveling shows around the Chicago area. Fox News video As a result of the success and impact of MMP during the first year, the project received another $30,000 grant from BP. A biodiesel reactor was purchased and successfully operated in the fall of 2007. In Year 3, the project purchased a small bus and a diesel box truck used for outreach to other schools. Both run on the biodiesel that has been produced in the classroom.
Project Impacts How has this project changed students' vision of the future? The students are more open to change and better prepared for it. It starts slowly with “You mean that stuff can be put into my car?” Then it grows. Students see the severity of the crisis as well as what they can do to mitigate it. MMP has systemically changed the teaching staff – many have taken NEED training as a stipulation of the grant, however, this experience snowballed and interest became contagious! Teachers were willing to expand MMP and to sponsor new school wide projects because they see the payoff in attitude, learning, and in tangible products. EDN slideshow There is a genuine willingness to partner with companies such as BP & Wal-Mart. This project has put many hybrids in the school parking lots! Teachers see the urgency for a sound national energy policy and for the need to create a cleaner environment. MMP has made powerful impacts in energy education at both campuses reaching over 3000 students. In twenty of the higher-level science classes, students have become the experts . They are willing to teach other students, utilizing many venues. Students have ownership on projects and work cooperatively in teams to achieve their goals. The Alternative Energy Fairs have involved over 150 community exhibitors and sponsors. This has planted the seed and laid the ground work for students as future community activists . And finally, this experience has helped many students solidify their career choices in science and technology. It certainly has raised the science literacy of all the students at Bloom District 206.  Chris Clausing graduated with a BS in Chemistry from Valparaiso University in 2000. He has taught high school chemistry at Kansas City and Chicago Heights for a total of 8 years. He will receive his MS degree in Analytical Chemistry from Governor's State University in April 2009. Chris participated in the DOE ACTS program from 2004-2007. During his years of teaching he has been active in numerous student activities including Mathletes, the Speech and Debate Team, and the Chemistry Club. Email: cclausing@sd206.org |
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