In the first quarter, we were assigned benchmark projects for every major class and in order to pass they had to be completed with an overall grade above a D or 60%. The benchmark for science was to find a scientist that we thought should have more recognition and receive the SLAward (A made up award that goes to the best presentation of the scientist). For the history benchmark in the first quarter, we had to gather a group of 5-6 classmates and research Ancient Egyptian people that were important to the Pharaoh and the Pharaoh himself and we later had to make a play out of a dinner with King Tut which included the Pharaoh, High Priest, Servant, Farmer, Noblemen, and Soldier.

    In our Advanced Engineering class, our teacher Mr. Van Kouwenberg had assigned us to make biodiesel. We had to draw up the blueprints, find materials, build the model, register for a patent on the design, and finally make the biodiesel using our design. We began building the biodiesel during November 2007. Mr. VK (Van Kouwenberg) split our class up into groups and assigned each group an area of the model to work on. My partner Mithun and I worked on the settling tanks. Cutting out the shape, molding the pieces to fit together, connecting the funnel to the bottom and such. Mithun and I did this for both for the large settling tanks and worked partially on the methanoic acid tank.

    We began this project so that cheaper, efficient, and cleaner fuel would be available to the world. This design would especially benifit South and Central America and developing countries.