Boat racing

This past week we have been working on building and racing a boat that would run on the biodiesel that we created. For our boat, my group and I used a sardine can. In the can we were able to put our engine and have just enough room for our container with the bio diesel and the wick to fit.


Here is an image of what the biodiesel looked like after we made it. For our boats we had to remove the clean biodiesel from the glycerin, and then we could use it.

Here is an article written about the boat races that took place in the classes: http://fhhstoday.com/6624/news/pre-ap-chemistry-constructs-biodiesel-boats/

Here is a link that explains what it would due like to use biodiesel in real life boats, and whether or not this is an option: http://biodiesel.org/using-biodiesel/market-segments/marine

Lab intro

This week we will be doing a lab in which you create biodiesel. The biodiesel is produced by a transesterfication reaction between a triglyceride fat or oil molecule and an alcohol. In the lab you will react methanol wiht cooking oil to synthesize biodiesel.


Here is a link to a more detailed explanation on how to produce biodiesel: http://journeytoforever.org/biodiesel_make.html

Here is a link to some more information on the national biodiesel board: http://nbb.org/

Biodiesel Video

This past week we have been working on a promotional video on the benefits of biodiesel. Here is the link to the video, watch it!!

Here is some more information on biodiesel, there are many more facts for this energy source that aren't included in the video: https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/biodiesel.shtml



Here is how biodiesel is created: http://biodiesel.org/what-is-biodiesel/biodiesel-basics