Biodegradable Plastic
Students will identify the criteria and constraints of their biodegradable plastic production and investigate the rate of decomposition between biodegradable and non-biodegradable plastic in different environments in order to study the environmental impact of petroleum-based plastic.
Overview
Students investigate biodegradable and petroleum-based plastics. They begin by listing their daily encounters with plastic, then watch a mockumentary and study the effects of plastic on albatross through a bolus dissection or a virtual dissection. In the lab, they make bioplastic from potato or corn starch with varying amounts of plasticizer, then design and test its biodegradability under different conditions. In an engineering design challenge, pairs set criteria and constraints, redesign their plastic at least once, and extrapolate decomposition time for landfill, ocean, or freshwater from a week of data. They present the process and results, with an optional robotics extension.
Lesson Objectives
- Identify the criteria and constraints of their biodegradable plastic production and investigate the rate of decomposition between biodegradable and non-biodegradable plastic in different environments in order to study the environmental impact of petroleum-based plastic. CAREER STATEMENT. Linda Crossno worked with Kathryn Guy at the ERDC CERL Army Research Lab in Champaign, Illinois. Their work led to the creation of this lesson plan. This lesson will lead students to material sciences/chemistry, environmental sciences, and environmental policies.
Standards
NGSS · 10
- HS-LS2-3Construct and revise an explanation based on evidence for the cycling of matter and flow of energy in aerobic and anaerobic conditions.
- HS-LS2-7Design, evaluate, and refine a solution for reducing the impacts of human activities on the environment and biodiversity.
- HS-ESS3-2Evaluate competing design solutions for developing, managing, and utilizing energy and mineral resources based on cost-benefit ratios.
- HS-ESS3-4Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems.
- HS-ETS1-2Design a solution to a complex real-world problem by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable problems that can be solved through engineering.
- HS-ETS1-3Evaluate a solution to a complex real-world problem based on prioritized criteria and trade-offs that account for a range of constraints, including cost, safety, reliability, and aesthetics as well as possible social, cultural, and environmental impacts.
- Principle I: The continuation and health of individual human lives and of human communities and societies depend on the health of the natural systems that provide essential goods and ecosystem services.
- Principle II: The long-term functioning and health of terrestrial, freshwater, coastal and marine ecosystems are influenced by their relationships with human society
- Principle IIII: Natural systems proceed through cycles that humans depend on, benefit from, and can alter.
- Principle IV: Decisions affecting resources and natural systems are based on a wide range of considerations and decision-making processes.
CCSS Math · 2
- 6.RP.A.1Understand the concept of a ratio and use ratio language to describe a ratio relationship between two quantities.
- 7.RP.A.2Recognize and represent proportional relationships between quantities.
CCSS ELA · 1
- WHST.6-8.7Conduct short research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question), drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused questions that allow for multiple avenues of exploration.