WSST Conference 2025

As concerns about plastic pollution grow, educators are uniquely positioned to inspire students with innovative solutions like bioplastics. This workshop delves into the science and engineering behind biodegradable materials derived from renewable resources, focusing on bioplastics made from milk and soybean oil. Participants will engage in hands-on activities to create these bioplastics, gaining insight into their properties, production processes, and applications.

Aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), the session will emphasize key practices such as constructing explanations, analyzing data, and exploring the crosscutting concepts of sustainability and resource management. Participants will leave equipped with classroom-ready resources, lesson plans, and access to food and agriculture education kits. They will also discover grants, training opportunities, and student engagement programs to deepen agricultural literacy.

Participants will actively make bioplastics from milk and soybean oil during the session, work collaboratively to explore the material properties, and discuss ways to adapt the lesson for various grade levels. A dedicated Q&A and resource-sharing segment will provide further opportunities for interaction and feedback.