Joshua’s Big Idea:
Engage students in solving a real-world scientific problem: replacing petroleum-based plastics with sustainable, biodegradable alternatives derived from natural materials. Students will create plant-based bioplastics, investigate the chemical reactions that transform raw biological materials into usable polymers, and test biodegradability in soil and compost to observe how microbial activity breaks down organic compounds over time. They will then apply their research to design original bioplastics with properties tailored to meet community needs. By integrating chemistry, life science, and engineering design, students experience how scientific innovation can drive sustainable solutions.