Highlights of the PACS Science Club

2013-14 Highlights PACS Science Club

Major Projects of 2013-2014Aquaponics

Maple Syrup

Biodiesel

2AquaponicsHydroponicsGrowing plants with waterAquacultureGrowing fishAquaponics Fish and PlantsTypes of systemsRaft SystemNutrient FilmEbb and Flow

Our SystemsNutrient Film (Aquaponics)(10) blue Nile tilapiaVariety of vegetables

Raft system (Hydroponics) Lettuce Artificial nutrient Ebb and Flow (Hydroponics)Tomatoes Artificial nutrient Future of Aqua/HydroponicsDouble our growing capacity

Begin selling vegetables on FridaysFarmers market setting at school

Other Experiences w/ Aqua/HydroponicsField trip to SUNY MorrisvilleGreenhousesFish farming (aquaculture)Aquaponics

Learning about plants and food productionNutrient deficiencies

Maple SyrupThree-phase projectConstructing evaporatorsCollecting/evaporating sapBottling/Marketing syrup

Constructing Evaporators Used repurposed/recycled materials

Carbon-neutral fuel source (biodiesel)

Collecting/Evaporating SapOver 100 taps amongst 7 club members

Pre-concentrate 2% sap to 6% sap using reverse osmosis

Boil ~15 gallons per hourWe can make about 1 gallon of syrup per hour!

Reverse Osmosis Reduces water content in sap by 75%

Reduces fuel usage by 75%

Greatly increases rate of production

Bottling/Marketing SyrupWe sell pints for $8 and quarts for $15Selling in school faculty roomsWill be selling at farmers markets, online, and school-sponsored events

Proceeds will be put aside to fund improvements to the syrup club for next year

BiodieselUsed vegetable oil donated by local restaurants

Biodiesel is made in our 25 gallon reactorMethanol/ lyeByproduct glycerin

Process of converting vegetable oil to a less viscous fuel

Used in our maple syrup evaporator

Future of our biodiesel processorOur goal is to use our processor as a demonstrative tool for other schools and the community

Produce biodiesel for the 2015 syrup season

FundingMajor funding for our projects comes from a $2400 Community Endowment Fund grant

Also received a $500 grant from the Science Teachers Association of New York State

$1100 grant through SUNY Oswego

We were awarded a $5000 corporate grant through Lowes.

District support through the Science ClubFuture GoalsRenovate high school courtyard with greenhouses/aquaponics pondIncorporate alternative energy (wind, solar)

Create tenth period STEM connections courseMore in-depth learning about plants and alternative fuelsMore time for research and data analysis

Double our syrup production for next year

Increase student body involvement

Increase community involvement

Create an understanding of the importance for environmental conservation, change, and get people to understand the importance of sustainability