Saunders Co. Extension Educators visit with third graders on importance of recycling and protecting the environment
Students explore many conservation tips and create biodegradable plastic
Reduce, reuse, recycle!
We hear these words all the time, but what does it have to do with us? On Feb. 7, the third graders at Wahoo Elementary School had the opportunity to explore many conservation tips. With help from the Saunders County Extension Educators Ali Leimer and assistant Melisa Konecky, they put students’ knowledge to the test about how long it takes our everyday trash to decompose. For example, students were shocked to learn that a styrofoam cup takes about 50 years to decompose! Other surprises: aluminum cans take 250 years to break down, and fishing line taking 600 years!
The students were then lead through the steps of how to make biodegradable plastic. In an assembly line fashion, they put one tablespoon of cornstarch, two drops of corn oil, food coloring and finally two tablespoons of water into their Ziploc bag. After a thorough mixing, they opened the corner of the bag and put it in the microwave for less than 30 seconds. The end result was amazing! Plastic made from natural substances that won’t hurt our environment! Who knows, maybe these students will lead the way in changing how we protect our environment!
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