Overview

Students will explore sustainable materials by learning how material structure influences function, a key concept that connects living and designed systems. They will learn foundational concepts in polymer chemistry, biodegradability, and environmental sustainability. Students will create starch- or gelatin-based bioplastics, then dye, cure, and shape them into functional or sculptural forms such as product packaging, origami, and more. They will perform basic material tests, such as flexibility, tear strength, and water response, to evaluate how structural differences can affect use and durability. This approach will connect material design to real-world environmental and human impacts, emphasizing why designing for degradation and reuse matters.