Bioprinting, Bioremediation, and Agrivoltaics Projects—Sustainable STEM

New projects support student exploration of real-world environmental and sustainability science, including bioprinting and bioremediation.

Environmental Science and Sustainability projects - Bioremediation, Bioprinting, Agrivoltaics, and More

Environmental Science and Sustainability

Five new STEM projects give students hands-on opportunities to explore approaches scientists and engineers are using to address real-world sustainability challenges. From bioprinting and bioremediation to renewable energy and agricultural technology, these projects provide hands-on opportunities to explore emerging technologies and environmental solutions.

New Projects for Student STEM

1. 1. 3D Print with Plant Seeds

   How can plant seeds be used to model 3D bioprinting techniques? In the Bioprinting: 3D Print with Living Cells! No 3D Printer Required. medical biotechnology project, students experiment with 3D bioprinting using plant seeds and investigate which conditions produce the best bioprinting results. The seed and sodium alginate mixture thickens and becomes gelatinous when exposed to a calcium chloride solution. This chemical reaction, called spherification, is used in molecular gastronomy to create foods like popping boba balls and yogurt ravioli. What concentration of sodium alginate works best to enable plant seeds to grow in the 3D-printed environment?

   

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULkUK0Ro4Aw
   
   

2. 2. Remove Dyes from Water

   Can microorganisms help reduce water pollution? In the Cleaning up Dyes from Contaminated Waters using Yeast environmental science and green chemistry project, students explore bioremediation as an approach to removing pollutants from water. Students test whether baker's yeast can break down dyes in contaminated water. What does the presence of carbon dioxide (CO2) in this process indicate?

   

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s13ESfc4KYg
   
   

3. 3. Remove Microplastics from Water

   Can living organisms be used instead of chemicals in the process of flocculation to remove microplastics from water? In the Remove Microplastics from Water with Bioremediation environmental science and green chemistry project, students investigate the use of active yeast as a flocculant to see if bioremediation can be effective at removing microplastics from water. In the experiment, students use glitter to simulate microplastics. What makes yeast effective in this process?

   

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tv6LvMgVDcQ
   
   

4. 4. Make the Most of Farmland

   Can farms and solar panels make strategic use of the same space? In the Agrivoltaics: What Crops Grow Best Under Solar Panels? plant biology project, students learn about the potential for agrivoltaics, the combination of agriculture and photovoltaics, to use the same land for renewable energy generation and crops that grow well in partial shade. Which types of crops grow better in full sun or partial shade?

   

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpsG9G44nHY
   
   

5. 5. Compare Energy Sources and Emissions

   Where does your state's energy come from? In the How Clean is Your State's Energy? energy and power project, students use EPA eGRID data to investigate how the mix of energy sources used to generate electricity in a state relates to emissions. They then compare the state's data with other states and national averages. Which energy sources contribute the most emissions?

   

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKBPQSiSm8U