HOUSTON -- Some Houston-area students are learning to create a greener future for everyone, KPRC Local 2, Your Education Station, reported Monday.

The chemistry class at Dobie High School, 10220 Blackhawk Blvd., focuses on the future of our environment. Students spend their spare time making biodiesel. They start with donated vegetable oil.

"It's really interesting -- not only as an alternative fuel source, it also saves us from polluting the environment and saves our fossil fuels," said junior Carol Nnabuife. "This is the waste vegetable oil that we get from the restaurants in the area."

A love of science and engineering has allowed the students to participate in a hands-on experiment that began last year.

"It's fun. It's interesting. We're working with our hands, learning a lot of advanced science and a lot of, like, getting ahead," said senior Russell Zuber.

"You get to learn a lot and it also helps you for future careers if you're interested in engineering or the oil industry," said junior Jennifer Linares.

After a series of classroom experiments, the students moved into a larger room that houses the biodiesel reactor -- a reactor they built themselves.

The students' interest and enthusiasm have left their teacher very proud.

"A lot of work, a lot of effort, a lot of understanding of facts and information and they've done a good job. I couldn't ask for more," chemistry teacher Louis Parlangeli said.

The goal is to operate a diesel car for one year with the biodiesel.

Dobie High School is accepting donations of used vegetable oil. Call 713-740-0370 if you can help.