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Please check out this presentation about the problem of microplastics. Engineering is all about designing solutions to problems. As a club, how can we contribute solutions?
See slide 9 of the presentation: the community collects and isolates microplastics samples, which are then sent to a lab at UH Manoa to be analyzed by a $20,000 spectroscope. From an education standpoint, it is arguably better to have results immediately, and on-site, rather than waiting days/weeks for results from a faraway lab.
As a club, let's build a low-cost analysis device that students can use right there on the spot. Keep scrolling down for proposed ideas.
Please check out this research article about a low-cost method for detecting microplastics. The club can build this exact fluorescence photobox as a first-iteration device.
Lighting Up for Learning: Fluorescence Analysis of Microplastic Particles by Secondary School Students Using Nile Red
There is one upgrade to incorporate, which is a clip-on macro lens, as described in this research article:
A low-cost smartphone fluorescence microscope for research, life science education, and STEM outreach
As a team, utilize this Decision Making Matrix (DMM) to discuss and quantify your various design decisions. Is it better to use a UV flashlight, or monochromatic LEDs? Is it better to use filter film, or filter glass? This is a way to give each choice a score.
Next to it is a shopping list. Please add items that are under consideration for purchase. Once final decisions are made, the club advisor will make the purchases.
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