Eco Materials Investigation

October 19, 2023

Short Description

Students create alternative bio-natural-based materials to reduce the non-degradable plastic for 3D printing in the future.

Detail Description

1. Purposes of the project:

This project aims to help students recognise their competencies, and develop their skills and attitudes through scientific projects. In the project, students will be guided by experts from the University of Science Ho Chi Minh City, and CREST Mentors regarding their research topics. Core knowledge and skills are identified from NGSS standards from the US and the CREST standards from the UK.

In addition, the project aims to create alternative bio-natural-based materials to reduce the non-degradable plastic for 3D printing in the future, which may contribute to mitigating oil based plastic pollution in the environment.

Moreover, in the project, students also have a chance to practice entrepreneurship by creating a business plan for their product commercialisation.

2. Participants:

STEM ambassador
The STEM ambassador; trained experts from the University, who help students to gain expertise in material science.
The CREST Mentor (from STEMax)
Who will help students understand and meet the criteria for BSA for Bronze and Silver levels and support STEM ambassadors work well with the students.
Students
The number of students is 6 students in total. They are all from the BVIS International schools in Ho Chi Minh city.

3. Location and timeline:

3.1. Location:

The project runs in various locations within Ho Chi Minh city. These include:

The Laboratory of Fundamental Materials Science – Faculty of Materials Science & Technology at the University of Science Ho Chi Minh City. In the laboratory, students conduct experiments on the bio-based material with the modern equipment and the guidance from Experts.
STEMax facilities such as rooms for students to work in groups.
Students also work at home and meet virtually after the laboratory time and group time.

3.2. Timeline:

The whole project lasts for 9 months, including Bronze and Silver project opportunities and some workshops that help students with scientific skills, engineering skills and entrepreneurship skills.