Bioplastic Kit: Measure, Mold, Texture™

Unlock the potential of bioplastics with our Bioplastics Kit™! Measure, mix and mold your way to discovering the fascinating science behind this new type of materials – and have fun along the way. 

In this 50-minute beginner-friendly activity, you/your students can learn the basics of bioplastics. Discover how to make bioplastic recipes using sustainable ingredients and explore various techniques to achieve different textures, colors, and shapes.

Start with an introduction to measuring and weighing bioplastic ingredients while you make different samples, allowing you to explore the material properties affected by those ingredients. Then, you'll learn to mold your liquid bioplastics, add dyes, and use different tools to introduce textures in the samples before they dry.

You will also learn the vocabulary and skills necessary to enter the exciting world of bioplastics. After have completed this kit, you will have the knowledge to explore the many possibilities and applications of bioplastics on your own! No prior knowledge necessary! With this kit, you'll gain a foundational understanding of renewable materials in a single day. 

The Bioplastic Kit series teaches educational, renewable solutions to reduce plastic waste and fight climate change. Learn the science that empowers you to be part of the solution and change the world with the Bioplastic Kits™.

What are bioplastics?

Have you heard of "Bioplastics"- plastic-like materials made from non-petroleum sources, like plants and animal matter? Ever wonder how they are made and if they can replace traditional plastics? With our Bioplastics Kit™ series, you'll get all the info and practice you need to comprehend the possibilities and limits of these new materials-- in a responsible and enjoyable way! There's still so much to be discovered in bioplastics; what will you uncover?

With this kit, you will

• develop some basic skills for making bioplastics including measuring powders, mixing, molding, dyeing and adding different textures to liquid plastics,

• become familiar with common bioplastic ingredients—their names, the sources from which they derive, and their purpose in the creation of bioplastics,

• be able to evaluate the properties each ingredient creates using a material properties table.

• Biodegrade your bioplastics (using our optional extension activity).

The Bioplastic Kit comes in individual and group sizes suitable for the classroom:

• The individual-size kit includes all the ingredients and measuring tools needed to make a series of different bioplastics.

• The group-size kit includes all the ingredients and measuring tools needed for 8 lab groups to complete the experiment using one Group kit.

• This experiment kit includes an instruction manual with easy-to-understand vocabulary and step-by-step instructions. See the Resources tab for links.

To complete this experiment, you will also need:

• access to a microwave or kettle to boil some water,
• water (distilled or tap water is fine),
• a mixing tool (like a spoon)

Cleaning and safety supplies are not included in the kit. Cleaning supplies you will need include paper towels and a spray cleaner you have that's suitable for your surfaces. None of the components included in this kit require any special cleaning methods.

For this kit which doesn't include living organisms gloves can be worn but are not required. Wearing gloves is a great scientific habit to take, and can be fun to do but there is no issue with not wearing any.

If you want gloves, you can add a Mini Safety Set to your kit which includes gloves and a reusable plastic apron to protect your clothes.

For more information about safety, set up and clean up, you can have a look at the instruction manual for the experiment linked in the Ressources section below.

Shipping Times

Experiment kits are shipped 1-10 working days after you place your order. If you require yours for a specific date or event, please contact us before or with your order # so that we can try to make it happen for you! ☺︎ 

Storage

This experiment kit can be stored at room temperature (out of direct sunlight).

For any questions, don't hesistate to reach out to us - contact us