💡How to Integrate This Activity into the Classroom?
Bringing the Magic of Biomaterials into the Classroom
Welcome to the incredible world of biomaterials! Transforming waste into useful and sustainable materials is like performing green magic, and our students can become true "environmental alchemists." Here we provide the steps to guide your primary, secondary, and high school students on this journey of discovery, creativity, and science. Let’s inspire them to explore, create, and share their positive impact on the world!
1. Awareness and Exploration: Discovering the Power of Waste!
Let’s start with a conversation about biomaterials. Show examples of sustainable products made from everyday waste, such as eggshells or seashells. Share photos and videos of projects from Fab Lab Barcelona so they can see that what we call waste can be transformed into useful and beautiful objects. This first step is the spark that ignites their curiosity and makes them think: “Wow, I can create amazing things with kitchen scraps!”
Here is a playlist featuring some biomaterials created in the SISCODE project, Remix el Barrio, coordinated in Spain by Fab Lab Barcelona.
2. Research: Discovering the Secret Recipes and Binders!
Now we become scientists and uncover "recipes" to create biomaterials. Together, let’s investigate what waste materials we can use (such as eggshells and mussel shells!) and explore which binders work best, like starch or egg whites. This step gives students the opportunity to experiment and test their ideas, developing that scientific curiosity that turns them into little researchers. 💡 Fun Idea: Turn each team into a "Biomaterial Magic School" and give each biomaterial recipe a special name. Who can create the strongest material? The most flexible? Let the results decide!
3. Collection of Materials: With the Community, Anything is Possible!
Collaborate with other teachers at the school to organize a waste storage area and a biomaterials research lab as an annual school project. This initiative can focus on collecting and processing waste for storage and later use in various school activities. For example, these materials can be transformed into decorations for school events, costumes for carnivals, or even innovative biomaterials for academic projects. An inspiring idea is to build a solar dehydrator, like the one shared by Marymount School, to dry organic materials and store them in labeled jars. Additionally, each year, you could create a school recipe book with new proposals and contributions from the students, encouraging creativity, sustainability, and collaborative work.
4. Practical Application: Time to Mix and Create!
Let’s get to work! It’s time to see how those collected materials turn into something new. With the materials and binders ready, students can start mixing, molding, and experimenting with different combinations to create their own biomaterial. Here they can also apply the scientific method, observing and adjusting every detail of their creations. 💡 Fun Idea: Set up a “Biomaterial Creation Station” where each team tests different “potions” to make the perfect material. You can even add an award for the “Most Creative Biomaterial” or the “Most Useful.”
5. Reflection and Analysis: How Did It Go?
After mixing and experimenting, it’s time to reflect. Encourage students to share their experiences: What worked well? What could be improved? This stage helps them appreciate what they learned, recognize their achievements, and improve their scientific skills. 💡 Fun Idea: Hold a “Wise Talk” where each team becomes experts and shares their biomaterial secrets with others. You can make a short video or record audio clips from each team to share with other students.
6. Exhibition and Outreach: Let the World See Their Impact!
Finally, let’s celebrate everything they’ve created. Organize an exhibition at school where each team can present their biomaterial and share their story, from waste collection to the final product. They can even create posters or brochures to inspire other students and families to make changes in their daily lives. 💡 Fun Idea: Host a “Biomaterial Fair” where each team decorates a booth to showcase their creation. Students can dress as “Green Inventors” or “Environmental Heroes” and give live demonstrations for their classmates and families.
Get Inspired with Our Videos
We’re sharing this practical resource with you: a tutorial on how to make bioceramics using eggshells and mussel shells. This video has been made possible thanks to the guidance of Arleny Medina, Director of Sustainability at the Green Leka restaurant in Barcelona.
Special thanks to the teachers at Escola Joan Miró, Institut Ciutat de Balaguer, Escola Cal·lípolis, and Escola Àngela Roca for their dedication, active participation in the project, and for inspiring their students with their motivation and commitment. 🌿✨
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