Plastic-Free Power: Build Your Own Biobag!

Engage students by showing them a plastic bag and a reusable bag and guide them in a discussion. Ask them: 

• What happens to plastic when it is thrown away?
• Why are single use plastics a problem?
• What can we use instead?

Then introduce the activity that will be done over the course of the next few days.

For the next few days students will not only be scientists they will also be designers seeking a way to create a reusable product. Students will then watch a short video about the sustainability of plastic and how bioplastic is an alternative and a much more sustainable product.

Explain to students the key science of bioplastics. Introduce what bioplastics are and give them a brief yet interactive rundown of each material used.

• Gelatin- gives the structure
• Glycerin- gives the flexibility
• Vinegar- helps bond the mixture together

Ask students what might happen if we changed the ingredients? What properties make for a good reusable product?

During this demonstration guide students through how to make the bioplastic. Mix the ingredients safely in a sauce pan that is over a hot plate. Add 2 tablespoons water and let that heat up but do not boil. Once water is heated up sprinkle 1 tablespoon of gelatin over the water and stir until it dissolves keeping in mind not to boil. Once the gelatin is dissolved add 1 teaspoon glycerin and 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar and stir until the mixture thickens add food coloring if desired. Once mixture has thickened line your baking sheet with parchment paper and pour the mixture evenly over the parchment paper. Allow to sit untouched and dry for 24-48 hours depending on thickness. Once the demonstration has completed allow students to work in groups to complete their own mixture of bioplastic. Before students leave follow up with a brief discussion about what they think will happen as the mixture dries?

Allow students to observe their dried bioplastics and ask what has changed about their bioplastics and and what properties do they notice?

Then present to them that they will be designers today and will need to design a reusable bag using the bioplastic that they have. Allow students time to design their product.

After students have had a chance to design their bag allow them time to construct their bag. Give students a demonstration of how to use the iron on the bioplastic and go over safety. Once students are familiar with the safety allow students to use the iron with direct supervision and support. Inform students that the bioplastic does not need a lot of heat or it will melt and mess up the bag.

Once students have constructed their final product instruct students that they need to reflect on what they have learned throughout this activity. Ask students to create a short video of how they created the bioplastic necessary to construct their bag and how it will be more sustainable for the environment versus conventional plastic.

Allow students the opportunity to showcase their bag and what they learned during this activity.