In this lesson, students expand their understanding of solid waste management to include the idea of 3RC (reduce, reuse, recycle and compost). They will look at the effects of packaging decisions (reducing) and learn about engineering advancements in packaging materials and solid waste management. Also, they will observe biodegradation in a model landfill (composting).

After reviewing the many products that can be made from corn and soybeans, students will create biodegradable plastic using corn and soybean ingredients. These ingredients are as simple as cornstarch and vegetable (soybean) oil!  Source: https://grownextgen.org/media/pages/curriculum/meet-the-bean/fun-and-games-with-soybeans/7e281dd28b-1565628888/biodegradable-soy-plastic.pdf

Students bury various pieces of trash in a plotted area of land outside. After two to three months, they uncover the trash to investigate what types of materials biodegrade in soil.

Students explore the concept of biodegradability by building and observing model landfills to test the decomposition of samples of everyday garbage items. They collect and record experiment observations over five days, seeing for themselves what happens to trash when it is thrown "away" in a landfill environment. This shows them the difference between biodegradable and non-biodegradable and serves to introduce them to the idea of composting. Students also learn about the role of engineering in solid waste management.

What materials have you touched today? In today's society, virtually every segment of our personal and professional lives is influenced by the limitations, availability, and economic considerations of the materials used. Through readings and science documentaries, this course will show you how and why certain materials are selected for different applications and how the processing, structure, properties, and performance of materials are intrinsically linked. You will be introduced to the basic science and technology of materials, how the world has been shaped by materials, and how knowledge of materials can be used to understand modern materials and the development of new ones.

This resource is a video abstract of a research paper created by Research Square on behalf of its authors. It provides a synopsis that's easy to understand, and can be used to introduce the topics it covers to students, researchers, and the general public. The video's transcript is also provided in full, with a portion provided below for preview:

"Many eukaryotic cells make and release small pockets of membrane called extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs facilitate communication between cells in an organism and can transport many molecules like proteins, RNA, and lipids. Plants are no exception, and many types of EVs can be isolated from their juice, flesh, and roots. In the plants themselves, these EVs facilitate a range of critical functions like immunity, development, and plant–fungi communication. But EVs derived from plants could even have a place in human medicine. In particular, these EVS could be used to transport medications. Plant-derived EVs are more biodegradable and typically less expensive to generate than conventional synthetic carriers, as they can be extracted in bulk. This field is in its early stages, but studies have suggested that plant-derived EVs may also be less toxic and allergenic than conventional carriers..."

The rest of the transcript, along with a link to the research itself, is available on the resource itself.

In this lesson, students explore solid waste and its effects on the environment. They will collect classroom trash for analysis and build model landfills in order to understand the process and impact of solid waste management. Students will understand the role of engineers in solid waste management.

This resource is a video abstract of a research paper created by Research Square on behalf of its authors. It provides a synopsis that's easy to understand, and can be used to introduce the topics it covers to students, researchers, and the general public. The video's transcript is also provided in full, with a portion provided below for preview:

"Melanin is a versatile molecule. Not only is it responsible for giving us our UV-blocking complexion. At the cellular level, it gobbles up harmful radicals that lead to diseases such as cancer and Parkinson's. But that's only the beginning. Over the past decade, researchers have focused on what might be melanin's most promising talent yet discovered: the ability to conduct electricity. That's important, because if we fancy a future where environmentally benign electronics help us fight disease, monitor our health, and store energy, we’re going to need biofriendly materials. And what better material for the job than one made right in-house. This is melanin in its most common form. When it comes to electrical charge, melanin acts as a sort of bank: always ready to lend out or take electrons, depending on the environment. Chained together, as they naturally tend to do, melanin molecules can shuffle electrons and surrounding ions end to end. The result is an all-natural electrode material..."

The rest of the transcript, along with a link to the research itself, is available on the resource itself.

This resource is a video abstract of a research paper created by Research Square on behalf of its authors. It provides a synopsis that's easy to understand, and can be used to introduce the topics it covers to students, researchers, and the general public. The video's transcript is also provided in full, with a portion provided below for preview:

"EnvironmentalDNA capture is helping researchers do the seemingly impossible: track the numerous plants and animals that call natural waters home. But fishing for so-called eDNA can be precarious work. Each step of the process, from water sampling to DNA detection, is a point of entry for contaminants or of loss for sample material. Now, a new standard could be in the making. Self-preserving and partially biodegradable, this new filtration system eliminates data-compromising steps from eDNA capture while ensuring long-term sample preservation and generating less plastic waste. In standard eDNA collection, a motorized or hand-powered pump is used to force a water sample through a DNA-capturing membrane. The filter housing is then opened and, using sterilized forceps, the membrane is carefully transferred to a vial. Finally, ethanol is added to preserve the captured eDNA while its transported to a lab for sequencing or PCR detection..."

The rest of the transcript, along with a link to the research itself, is available on the resource itself.