Each student needs:

• 1 Polymers, Plastics, and Bioplastics Booklet
• 1 writing utensil
• 1 pair of safety goggles (mandatory for each student)
• 1 pair of rubber gloves (optional, for handling hot mixtures)

Each group needs:

• 30 paperclips (Day 1)
• 1 small saucepan or heat-resistant pot (Days 2 and 4; will be reused for Day 4)
• 1 spatula (Days 2 and 4; for stirring)
• 1 hot plate (Days 2 and 4)
• 2 pieces of aluminum foil or parchment paper (30 cm x 30 cm) (Days 2 and 4)
• 1 ruler or measuring tape (for measuring length, width, area, and shrinkage)
• 1 calculator (for shrinkage calculations)
• For plant-based bioplastics (split between Days 2 and 4):
• 20 mL distilled water
• 1-3 g glycerol
• 3 g cornstarch
• 2 mL of white vinegar
• 2-4 drops food coloring
• For the animal-based bioplastic: (split between Days 2 and 4):
• 480 mL cold water
• 96 g gelatin powder
• 24 g glycerol
• 2-4 drops food coloring
• (optional) 2 drops of essential oil (scent)
• (optional) 1 spoon for removing white foam

For the class to share:

• 1 laptop/tablet with projector and with internet access for YouTube videos and to display the Polymers, Plastics, and Bioplastics Presentation
• extra paper clips in case of loss or breakage
• drying rack or safe area to leave plastic to cool and dry
• 1-2 digital scales
• weigh boats (for ingredients)
• graduated cylinders or beakers (for measuring liquids)
• extra glycerol, cornstarch, white vinegar, gelatin powder, and glycerol (for students to use in their improved bioplastic recipes)
• paper towels