Seven Munster High School juniors earned $10,000 scholarships and grants as part of an environmental-improvement challenge, and are in the running to win a $30,000 grand prize.
The Munster students studied how vehicle emissions affect the air, and studied cars to figure out how to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases discharged by any one car. They conducted rounds of testing at an Indiana emissions test facility.
The teens learned that by simply changing the PVC valve regularly, vehicles that would have failed the test would pass. If drivers keep an eye on their PVC valves, they can significantly reduce the amount of pollutants their cars release into the air.
"What is so amazing about this project is the ambition and brilliance it took to come up with it," Munster science teacher Patrick O'Neill said. "It's hard to believe a group of high school students can reimagine the operation of cars and find a way to reduce emissions, but that's exactly what they've done."
Joe Yurek, Akhilesh Mishra, Akash Shah, Colin Richter, Luis Dominguez, Saam Mojtahed, and Tommy Bolanowski call their team the "PVC Patchers."
The PVC Patchers were among eight other teams who qualified to be in the running to win one of the two $30,000 grand prizes for the Lexus challenge.
"The Lexus Eco Challenge gives teens the opportunity to change the world, starting with their community," Lexus group vice president and general manager Mark Templin said. "With the Final Challenge of this competition we want to see how they can use their skills and grand ideas to improve the environment in the world at large. We look forward to seeing what they can accomplish."
Thursday, June 13 2013 1:45 PM EDT2013-06-13 17:45:09 GMT
Even a fire hydrant is feeling the Blackhawks spirit, especially after Chicago's midnight victory over the Boston Bruins at the United Center in triple overtime.
Even a fire hydrant is feeling the Blackhawks spirit, especially after Chicago's midnight victory over the Boston Bruins at the United Center in triple overtime.
Wednesday, June 12 2013 9:55 PM EDT2013-06-13 01:55:01 GMT
Forecasters say hot weather could give way to violent storms across parts of Illinois and are warning residents to be prepared for strong winds, hail and even tornadoes.
Forecasters say hot weather could give way to violent storms across parts of Illinois and are warning residents to be prepared for strong winds, hail and even tornadoes.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 9:31 PM EDT2013-06-19 01:31:50 GMT
Chicago Public Schools wrap up classes this week, and that means some of the schools will only be open for a few more days before they are closed as part of the CPS 5-year reorganization plan.
Chicago Public Schools wrap up classes this week, and that means some of the schools will only be open for a few more days before they are closed as part of the CPS 5-year reorganization plan.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 6:27 PM EDT2013-06-18 22:27:58 GMT
A southwest suburban teen pleaded guilty to being drunk when he fatally struck a 4-year-old girl chasing a ball in the street has been sentenced to probation and community service.
A southwest suburban teen pleaded guilty to being drunk when he fatally struck a 4-year-old girl chasing a ball in the street has been sentenced to probation and community service.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 5:55 PM EDT2013-06-18 21:55:58 GMT
Police ask the Albany Park/Mayfair community to be vigilant, walk in pairs and avoid strangers, after a woman was sexually assaulted Monday night near the entrance to a CTA Blue Line station.
Police ask the Albany Park/Mayfair community to be vigilant, walk in pairs and avoid strangers, after a woman was sexually assaulted Monday night near the entrance to a CTA Blue Line station.
