Jacqueline Kunicki
1207 9724
EDED14355: STEM Education and Engagement
Assessment 1: Investigation
Topic: What is the most effective and sustainable homemade
alternative to a face mask?
Word Count: 1641
Page 1 of 20
Contents
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Background
3
Research
3-4
Curriculum Links
4
Design
4-10
a. Option A: The old sock mask
5-6
b. Option B: The old t-shirt mask
7-8
c. Option C: Paper towel mask
8-10
Results
10-12
Analysis
13
Conclusion
14
References
15-16
Appendices
a. Appendix A: Detailed Curriculum Links
17
b. Appendix B: Notes on Satisfaction of Criteria Results
18
c. Appendix C: Comments on Additional Criteria
19-20
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Investigation:
What is the most effective and sustainable homemade alternative to a face mask?
1. Background
Since the emergence of coronavirus, the respiratory disease that sparked a global pandemic,
face masks have been encouraged and even mandatory in some areas. In the case of my local area
(Sunshine Coast) a mandatory mask wearing policy recently came in overnight and with limited warning
which emphasised the issue of people who may not have a mask and whether there any alternative
options from materials around the home. The challenge is to design an effective face mask from
common materials found around the home. This investigation will support development of STEM
knowledges, particularly science and technology, in response to the current pandemic (UOW Maker
Space, 2020, p.4).
2. Research
COVID-19 can be transmitted through the air through droplets when a person coughs, sneezes,
sings, breathes heavily or talks to people close-by (Desert, 2020). Normal speaking alone usually
produces thousands of oral fluid particles which can harbor respiratory illnesses including COVID-19
(Howard et al, 2021). Two of the most important measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 is social
distancing and wearing a face mask (Eichler et al, 2020, p.1).
Although mask wearing clearly has benefits to community health, managing the waste and
disposal of masks has created a new environmental issue (Desert, 2020). It is estimated that globally 3
million face masks are being used per minute and with a lack of guidelines for how to dispose of face
masks correctly, it is leading to negative impacts on our environment (University of Southern Denmark,
2021).
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This emphasises the need for more sustainable solutions to meet the demands for masks while
reducing the environmental impact (Selvaranjan et al, 2021, p.1). In response to global mask shortages,
many public health authorities have recommended homemade masks as acceptable alternatives (Asadi
et al, 2020).
3. Curriculum Links (Appendix A)
This investigation is linked to both science as a human endeavour and science inquiry skills as
they students plan a scientific investigation to solve problems and inform community decisions
[ACSHE100 & ACSIS103]. It integrates design and technology as students develop and communicate
ideas in graphical form and use materials and equipment to make designed solutions [ACTDEP015 &
ACTDEP016]. As they investigate the role of preventative health in their communities, they will be
relating curriculum knowledge to current health issues [ACPP058].
Students learn about their own potential to contribute to sustainable patterns of living as they
consider the use of recyclable materials in the mask creation and the overall environmental impact of
their design. General capabilities will also be developed as they plan, implement and evaluate ways of
contributing to community (Personal and social capability) and critically analyse the prototypes
according to the different criteria/tests (Critical & Creative Thinking) (UOW Maker Space, 2020, p.7).
4. Design
The primary function of face masks is to reduce the transmission of particles or droplets by
reducing the distance that your breath spreads from your body (Fischer et al, 2020, p.1). The specific
policy in Queensland is that any paper or cloth mask is acceptable (Queensland Government, 2021). The
Centre for Disease Control (CDC) have provided a list of considerations for face masks which were
adapted to establish criteria for the face masks. (CDC, 2021). Such considerations include:
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
Mask should fit snugly

Must be 2-3 layers, and

You must be able to breathe easy while wearing it (Jolly, 2020).
Three different prototypes will be produced using common ideas found online: old t-shirt, paper
towel and a sock. These materials are all recyclable and are items commonly found in the home which
allows the design to meet the criteria, be inexpensive and sustainable. It also follows research which has
found cotton to be one of the best alternative materials for masks due to its filtration quality,
breathability and low environmental impact (Hartanto & Mayasari, 2021, p.6).
Option A: The old sock mask
Initial design sketch
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STEP 1: Cut off toe area.
STEP 2: Cut off ankle area to form a rectangle.
STEP 3: Cut slits for ear holes as per design.
Finished product - Front
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Finished product - Side
Option B: The old t-shirt mask
Initial design
STEP 1: Cut required pieces from t-shirt as per
design.
STEP 2: Cut along seams to form pieces for two
separate masks.
STEP 3: Tie one end of the string and lay over the
rectangle piece as shown in image.
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STEP 4: Fold the ends of the rectangle inwards to
the middle.
STEP 5: Place tied end over the top of head and
pull remaining ends behind head and tighten and
tie.
Finished product - Side
Finished product - Front
Option C: Paper towel mask
Initial design
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STEP 1: Fold the paper towel in half and make
1cm folds up and back until it looks like below.
STEP 2: Connect 2 hair ties together as shown in
picture.
STEP 3: Tie one of the hair ties to each end of the
paper towel, leaving the other air tie to stretch
behind each ear.
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Finished product - Front
Finished product - Side
5. Results (Refer to Appendix B for Explanatory Notes)
Each mask will first be analysed to establish whether it fits the criteria.
Criteria
Old sock mask
Mask should fit snugly
Mask should be 2-3
layers
Breathability
Face Covering
Old T-shirt mask
Paper towel mask








x
In order to establish that the masks are at least effective at a basic level and prevent or lessen
the transmission of breath, the candle test will then be performed as per the below instructions.
1. Place the candle on a flat, hard surface ensuring that there are no flammable materials
around.
2. Light the candle (teacher only)
3. Cover face with the face covering to be tested and try to blow out the candle.
4. Record results in STEM journal.
(ExtendEdNotes, 2020).
Although the results of this test are impacted by certain variables including the type of candle
and the lung strength of the individual person for example, it will at least be informative as to whether
the face covering is forming some sort of barrier from breath and/or droplets and thus the transmission
of COVID-19. All dependent variables which could be controlled were maintained throughout the testing
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including the distance of the candle from the wearer and how many breaths were blown each time and
for how long.
Face Covering
None (Control test)
Results & Observations from candle test
X
Candle immediately blown out in less than 2 seconds.
Old sock mask

Candle remained lit however could be seen flickering.
Old T-shirt mask

Candle remained lit. No flickering observed.
Paper Towel mask

Candle remained lit. No flickering observed.
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When considered in conjunction with the scores of the remaining categories including comfort,
aesthetic and the environmental impact, it will provide a good indication of which prototype is the most
effective and sustainable homemade alternative to a face mask.
Scores for Each Face Covering (Refer to Appendix C for explanatory comments)
Face
Covering
Old sock
mask
Old t-shirt
mask
Paper towel
mask
Environmental
Impact
3/5
Comfort
Aesthetic
2/5
4/5
Total
/15
9/15
4/5
5/5
4/5
13/15
2/5
4/5
2/5
8/15
Re-design during process
During the process, some modifications needed to be made to the designs to meet the criteria.
In the paper towel design rubber bands were substituted for hair ties for comfort reasons. In the t-shirt
design the material for the face covering was cut from the section of the t-shirt that had the intended
image on it rather than simply from the bottom as per the initial design, allowing for a more
aesthetically pleasing product. Involving students in evaluation of product and re-design processes
allows for development of STEM disciplinary knowledges (English & King, 2015, p.1).
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6. Analysis
The results demonstrated that the old t-shirt mask was clearly the best, most effective and
sustainable option. It satisfied all initial criteria, passed the candle test and scored the highest in all
additional categories including aesthetic, environmental impact and comfort. This design was a simple,
easy to follow design that makes it an ideal option for community members from various backgrounds.
Re-design for future investigations
Upon reflection of the final products, some changes in future investigations could be made to
produce more effective options. The materials used in the design could be further researched to
produce more sustainable and comfortable options. The material used for the t-shirt mask was very
stretchy and thus tended to roll over on itself. If this option were created again a less elastic cotton
would be a better option. Different sock options should be researched to produce a more effective
product that fits snugger against the face.
Options for decoration of the paper towel mask could be explore, however it would need to
ensure it does not negate any health benefits of the covering and given its limited life span this may not
be viable. Finally, this test only analysed the comfort of the user in short-term wear of the face covering.
To truly assess the comfort level, it may be beneficial to investigate long-term wear of each of the
options.
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7. Conclusions
This investigation demonstrated that homemade face coverings can be made from common
items found around the home. Using a science investigation and technology knowledge and skills, three
homemade options for face coverings to use as personal protection against COVID-19 were designed,
created and assessed according to a variety of criteria. This investigation linked strongly to sustainability
issues as students consider what materials to use in their designs and what impact these materials will
have on the environment.
A quality STEM investigation engages students in real life problems that can positively impact
their community (Johnson et al, 2020). As students create and communicate their designs to their peers,
families and community at large they will be participating in positive action against the spread of COVID19 and engaging in authentic learning opportunities.
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8. References
ABC News. (2020). In Victoria and forgot to buy a face mask? Here are some alternatives that will meet
coronavirus rules. Retrieved from: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-22/coronavirusmelbourne-try-alternative-masks/12477490.
Asadi, S., Cappa, C., Barreda, S., Wexler, A., Bouvier, N & Ristenpart, W. (2020). Efficacy of masks and
face coverings in controlling outward aerosol particle emission from expiratory activities.
Scientific Reports. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-72798-7.
Bloch, M. (2007). Making use of old socks. Retrieved from:
https://www.greenlivingtips.com/articles/recycling-socks.html.
The Conversation. (2020). Does your homemade mask work? Retrieved from:
https://theconversation.com/does-your-homemade-mask-work-142675.
Centers for Disease Control and Prvention [CDC]. (2021). Guidance for wearing masks. Retrieved from:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-coverguidance.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019ncov%2Fprevent-getting-sick%2Fcloth-face-cover.html.
Desert, M. (2020). The environmental impact of abandoned face masks. Retrieved from:
https://environmentjournal.online/articles/the-environmental-impact-of-abandoned-facemasks/.
Eichler, S., Hopperton, A., Alava, J., Pereira, A., Ahmed, R., Kozlakidis, Z., IIlic, S & Rodriguez-Palacios, A.
(2020). A citizen science facemask experiment and educational modules to improve coronavirus
safety in communities and schools, Frontiers in Medicine, 7(486).
https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2020.00486.
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English, L & King, D. (2015). STEM learning through engineering design: A fourth grade students’
investigations in aerospace. International Journal of STEM Education, 2(14). DOI
10.1186/s40594-015-0027-7.
ExtendEdNotes. (2020). A Bill Nye-approved experiment to test the efficacy of masks. Retrieved from:
https://www.extendednotes.com/after-school-activities/a-bill-nye-approved-experiment-totest-the-efficacy-of-masks1.
Fischer, E., Fischer, M., Grass, D., Henrion, I., Warren, W & Westman, E. (2020). Low-cost measurement
of face mask efficacy for filtering expelled droplets during speech. Science Advances, 6(36), DOI:
10.1126/sciadv.abd3083.
Gregory, A. (2016). 12 ways to recycle your old t-shirts. Retrieved from:
https://www.1millionwomen.com.au/blog/12-ways-recycle-your-t-shirts/.
Hartanto, B & Mayasari, D. (2021). Environmentally friendly non-medical mask: An attempt to reduce
the environmental impact from used masks during COVID-19 pandemic. Science of the total
environment. 760. https://doi-org.ezproxy.cqu.edu.au/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144143.
Howard, J., Huang, A., Li, Z., Tufekci, Z., Zdimal, V & van der Westhuizen, W. (2021). An evidence review
of face masks against COVID-19. PNAS, 118(4). https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2014564118.
Jolly, A. (2020). Basing STEM lessons on real life disasters. Retrieved from:
https://www.middleweb.com/44195/basing-stem-lessons-on-real-life-disasters/.
Queensland Government. (2021). Face masks – coronoavirus (COVID-19). Retrieved from:
https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/protect-yourselfothers/face-masks.
Selvaranjan, K., Navaratnam, S., Rajeev, P & Ravintherakumaran, N. (2021). Environmental challenges
induced by extensive use of face masks during COVID-19: A review of potential solutions.
Environmental Challenges, 3. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envc.2021.100039.
TerraPass. (2020). How to reduce the carbon footprint of your paper towels. Retrieved from:
https://www.terrapass.com/carbon-footprint-of-papertowels#:~:text=%5B1%5D%20While%20paper%20towels%20are,an%20ever%2Dincreasing%20
waste%20problem..
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University of Southern Denmark. (2021). Preventing masks from becoming the next plastic problem.
Frontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering, 15(6), DOI: 10.1007/s11783-021-1413-7
UOW Maker Space. (2020). The face mask challenges. Retrieved from:
https://documents.uow.edu.au/content/groups/public/@web/@gc/documents/doc/uow26632
2.pdf.
9. Appendices
Appendix A: Detailed Curriculum Links
Science: Science as a human endeavour
- Scientific knowledge is used to solve problems and inform community decisions [ACSHE100]
Science Inquiry Skills
- Identify, plan and apply elements of scientific investigations to solve problems using
equipment and materials [ACSIS103]
Technologies
- Generate, develop and communicate design ideas using graphical representation
[ACTDEP015], and
- Select and use materials, components, tools and equipment to make designed solutions
[ACTDEP016]
Health & Physical Education
- Investigate the role of preventative health in promoting and maintaining health, safety and
wellbeing for individuals and their communities [ACPP058]
Cross-curriculum Priorities
Sustainability: Students learn about their own potential to contribute to sustainable patterns of living
as they consider the use of recyclable materials in the mask creation.
General Capabilities
Personal & Social Capability: plan, implement and evaluate ways of contributing to community, and
Critical & Creative Thinking: critically analyse the options according to the different criteria/tests
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Appendix B: Explanatory Notes for Satisfaction of Criteria Results
Criteria
Mask should fit snugly
Mask should be 2-3
layers
Breathability
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Old sock mask
Although the inner
layer fit snugly against
the face, the outer
layer gaped slightly
open as can be seen in
the photos. Further
investigation should be
carried out to analyse
whether other types of
socks may produce
better results before
considering this a full
satisfaction of criteria.
Face Covering
Old T-shirt mask

Paper towel mask

Adjustable design
allowed for a snug fit.


It is also helpful to note
that using this design
allows for a paper
towel filter to be added
Further investigation to
establish whether
paper towel filter could
be added.




Appendix B: Explanatory Comments for Additional Criteria Score Results
Face
Covering
Old sock
mask
Old t-shirt
mask
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Environmental
Impact
3/5
Comfort
Aesthetic
2/5
4/5
Most modern
socks are made
from PolyesterCotton blend.
Although
recycling the
sock for the mask
is a positive
environmental
choice, when the
face covering is
disposed of it
takes many years
to break down in
environment
(Bloch, 2007).
4/5
Did not feel snug
against face and
needed constant
adjustment to stay on
nose.
Socks come in all sorts of
colours and designs so has
great aesthetic appeal.
5/5
4/5
Clothing has
become one of
the fastest
growing
household waste
(Gregory, 2016).
Re-using a tshirt
in this way and
ensuring the
materials used
The cotton felt soft
and comfortable, and
the adjustment factor
meant it could be
tailored to my face.
As with socks the options for
designs are endless and allow
for creativity in look of the
design. The difficulty lies with
cutting the pieces for the
mask to ensure the desired
image is in the correct spot.
Total
/15
9/15
13/15
Paper towel
mask
are cotton allows
the
environmental
impact to be
lessened.
2/5
2/5
8/15
Although paper
towels have a
small carbon
footprint,
collectively they
contribute to the
ongoing waste
problem
(TerraPass,
2020). Unlike
the other options
this design is
limited in its
ability to be used
multiple times as
it cannot be
washed which
explains the low
environmental
score.
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4/5
Surprisingly
comfortable. This test
only assessed comfort
of short-term wear
and further
investigation would
be required to
establish the comfort
of long-term wear.
This option focuses on
effectiveness rather than
appeal. Further investigation
could be carried out to find
out if paper towel masks could
be decorated with textas etc
without losing health benefits.