Tracy’s Big 
Idea:
Engage students in designing and evaluating biodegradable plastic wrap made from plant-based materials. Students develop bioplastics, then test and analyze the physical and chemical properties: water and oxygen permeability, stress and strain, biodegradability, and light-induced degradation. They then compare their results to conventional plastic wrap to assess performance and environmental impact. By integrating chemistry, materials science, engineering design, and data analysis, students explore how innovative materials can help address real-world environmental challenges.
Interesting Facts:
Tracy has been teaching middle school science for over 20 years. Her educational background is in biology, and she holds a master’s in marine bio-resources.