A middle school investigation into developing environmentally friendly packaging
Published: 2024
Publication Name: Science Activities
Publication URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/00368121.2024.2345062
Abstract:
This STEM research project asks middle school or high school students to work towards
creating ecologically friendly packaging. Packaging that can be composted instead of thrown
away and collected in landfills and oceans like plastics. This inquiry uses nanocellulose and
focuses on water permeability. The fibers of nanocellulose can be dried to make a rather
strong and thin film, but due to the spaces between the fibers the film is too water permeable
and therefore makes poor packaging materials on its own. Students will create nanocellulose
composite films with other biodegradable materials, in an attempt to fill the inter-fiber
microscopic spaces and create a new film that can be easily tested for water permeability.
Students set up a straightforward science experiment with films, water, and mason jars. They
will collect and graph data to determine if their nanocellulose composite films reduce water
permeability compared to plain nanocellulose and how close they are to the present standard,
plastic. This research is an amalgam of disciplinary core ideas like properties and states of
matter, as well as a combination of science and engineering practices. It ignites students’
curiosity, provides an organic path to science fair extensions, while also helping to cultivate
future scientists, engineers, and environmental activists.