Education: Biodiesel - Which oil is best?

At Velva Public School in Velva, North Dakota, high school students in advanced biology and organic chemistry classes continued their research into biodiesel fuels that began in the previous fall. This minigrant helped purchase equipment the students needed to produce and test fuels using soybean, canola, sunflower, and corn oils. Analyzing and comparing the properties of the various oils comprised part of the project.

This project was especially relevant to students living in an agricultural community where a biodiesel facility is being built. Through their research, students gained an appreciation of the alternative fuel industry, as well as the impact that biodiesel fuel can have on the local economy.