The goal of this activity is to, as a class, produce a variety of different kinds of biopolymers with differing physical properties. In the first part of this design challenge, students will create various biopolymer materials using different combinations of starches with glycerine, a plasticizer. Part 1, Materials Testing: How does changing the formula of a biopolymer change its physical characteristics? The purpose of your company is to design and engineer plastic-like materials that are more environmentally-friendly than traditional petroleum-based plastics. Present students with the following scenario: You have just started your own biopolymer company. Knowing what kind of biopolymer would work best for a particular use is a creative design challenge!Ĭarrying Out Investigations and Designing Solutions ![]() These 'bioplastics,' or biopolymers, can come in various forms with various physical properties. Traditional plastic is made from petroleum, but there is a movement now to make plastics from more renewable-and in some cases biodegradable-organic sources, like vegetable fats. Plastic in landfills can take hundreds of years to degrade, and plastic debris in the ocean is a threat to marine life. ![]() ![]() Plastic is durable and long-lasting, making it useful for packaging things like food, but not so good for the environment.
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