Field Activity 3
Design and Make Biomaterial Product¶
Subject:¶
Innovation Module
Concept:¶
Design & Sustainability
Lesson Title¶
Design and Fabricate a Sustainable Biomaterial Product
Duration¶
2–3 sessions (90–120 min each)
Lesson Objectives¶
Students will be able to: * Formulate and produce a biomaterial sample by accurately measuring and combining ingredients * Design and fabricate a functional biomaterial product that meets at least 2 performance criteria (e.g., load-bearing, flexibility). * Apply an iterative design process (prototype → test → refine) with at least one evidence-based improvement. * Evaluate the environmental impact of their product using at least two sustainability criteria (e.g., biodegradability, material sourcing). * Collaborate effectively and present design rationale including sustainability considerations.
Success Criteria¶
- Biomaterial formed correctly and usable
- Product meets functional test criteria
- Evidence of iteration and improvement
- Clear sustainability justification
- Effective teamwork and communication
Lesson Flow¶
Phase 1: Introduction (15 min) Hook: Show plastic vs biomaterial products Introduce SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production Driving Question: “How can we design products that reduce environmental impact?”
Phase 2: Demonstration (30 min) Teacher demonstrates biomaterial production Highlight variables (gelatine, glycerol, water ratios) Students record observations
Phase 3: Guided Practice (30 min) Students produce first biomaterial batch in teams Teacher checks measurement accuracy
Phase 4: Design Challenge (45 min) Task: Design a biomaterial product (e.g., carrier) Constraints: * Must hold at least 500g, * Must use limited material, * Must include sustainability consideration
Phase 5: Prototype & Test (45 min) Students fabricate product Conduct testing (load, durability) Record results
Phase 6: Iteration (30 min) Improve design based on test results Document changes and reasoning
Phase 7: Presentation & Reflection (30 min) Present product and sustainability justification Submit learning diary
Differentiation Scaffold templates for weaker students Extension: modify biomaterial recipe
Materials per team of 3/4:¶
Water 240 ml Gelatine 48 g Glycerol normal 24 g
One Possible Product - BioMaterial Carrier¶
One Biomaterial Product Sample¶
Tools¶
- Weighing Machine
- Laser Cutter (Optional)
- Biomaterial Making Equipment
Assessment Protocol Reflection¶
I have use ChatGPT to provide feedback on the lesson plan. It has helped me to refine the lesson design.
It initially graded my lesson as a 2.4 out of 4 using the rubrics of assessment of this feild activity. * Learning Objectives 2 / 4 * DF Activity 3 / 4 * Assessment 2 / 4 * Lesson Clarity 3 / 4 * Reflection 2 / 4 I adopted some of its suggestion and guided it to generate a rubrics for students work as well.
Technology Integration: for & with kids¶
DF is used for the creation of the sample (carrier). Students may choose to design and use laser cutter in their final product design and it will be carried out outside lesson time. Technology will be provided and they are encouraged to work at a zone of their team’s comfort and ability.
Reflection on the Field Activity¶
I enjoy making the biomaterial and designing a product that utilise the biomaterial i.e carrier. I have benefit much from the use of Chat GPT to review my lesson plan. I will use it again to offer my suggestion and area of improvement in my future lesson plans. The following additonal resources which I obtained from ChatGPT help me to save planning time too.
Additional resources from ChatGPT¶
Teaching Slides¶
Slide 1: Title Designing Sustainable Biomaterial Products
Slide 2: Driving Question How can we replace plastic with sustainable materials?
Slide 3: Learning Objectives (Insert 5 objectives)
Slide 4: What is Biomaterial? Definition and examples
Slide 5: Demonstration Overview Steps and safety
Slide 6: Design Challenge Build a functional product Meet constraints
Slide 7: Sustainability Focus Biodegradability Resource use
Slide 8: Testing Criteria Load Durability
Slide 9: Iteration Process Prototype → Test → Improve
Slide 10: Assessment Rubric Show simplified rubric
Slide 11: Reflection Questions What worked? What would you improve?
Slide 12: Closing Link back to SDG 12
Differentiation for HAL¶
A. Experimental Design Layer Students investigate: Effect of glycerol ratio on: Flexibility Strength Deliverable: Table of results + conclusion
B. Advanced Challenge Options Waterproofing (natural coatings) Hybrid materials (add fibers, paper pulp) Redesign for a specific user group