The goal of this workshop was to come up with an project idea that I could implement into my classroom. We needed to explain the project, come up with a lesson, and back the idea with supporting peer reviewed articles. The project idea had to be open ended so it could be used across curricula and hands on so the workshop audience could tinker and make.
Initially my first idea for the workshop was creating an interactive story board which would follow a piece of littered plastic found on a beach through its journey after being swept away in the ocean tide. I planned on using Chibitronics on a paper circuit to navigate and light the way through the plastics journey, incorporating Makes Makey and Scratch to create sound files for each step. I really liked this idea and thought it would mesh really well with the topics of micro-plastics, bioaccumulation, food webs, and food chains. I was happy with the progress I made with my circuit board but couldn't figure out a way to incorporate all the pieces of the project into a 30 minute workshop. I kept getting stuck on what I wanted my audience to "do" or "create" during the workshop. After much deliberation I decided to scratch my first idea and go with something low tech and hands- gelatin bioplastics. I found my inspiration scrolling though instagram and knew this was something that would be an eye catcher and low cost to implement in my own classroom.Â
After changing my workshop idea, I researched the importance of bioplastics. In a mad dash (2 weeks before the STEAM subway series) I ordered gelatin powder and started tinkering with different recycled materials to make my gelatin bioplastic in and materials to decorate with. After getting feedback from my peers I went home and researched how gelatin bioplastics are used in industries rather then just as a craft. I found they are mainly used in the pharmaceutical field and added that information to my workshop slides. I also added how although gelatin is coming from meat industry (which has a large carbon footprint) the gelatin is still sustainable being that it is a byproduct.
While presenting at the "subway series" my audience were able to make and bring home their own bioplastics. They had many intirguing questions about the process and how bioplatics are renewable sources. If I were to do this workshop again I would bring a hot plate or a microwave to boil the water to melt the gelatin in. I used a tea kettle and found the gelatin would clump up becuase the water started cooling down once leaving the kettle. My audience had to add a little more water then usual to be able to break down the gelatin clumps and create their designs.
Overall I really enjoyed presenting my workshop. Initially I was quite nervous about presenting, but my audience was great and interactive which made presenting and tinking along side them a joyful experience!