left to right: teosinte - F1 hybrid – maize
(tee-uh-SIN-tee)

• Teosinte

• A few examples:
– Packing Peanuts (over 95%)
– Ethanol
– Plastics
– Printing Ink
– Camera Film
– Candles
– Charcoal
– Crayons
– Detergents
– Adhesives
– Fireworks
– Paper
– Cardboard
I am in everything!

How Stuff Works: Corn Plastic
(click on picture)

1. Place a tablespoon of cornstarch in a resealable plastic bag.
2. Add 2 drops of corn oil to the cornstarch.
3.
Add 1 ½ tablespoons of water to the oil and cornstarch.
4. Mix the mixture.
5. Add 2 drops of food coloring to the mixture and mix well.

1. What do you notice about your biodegradable plastic?
2. Is your biodegradable plastic the same as your neighbors?
3. What could you make with this biodegradable plastic if you let it harden?

6. Seal the bag and knead well to a uniform consistency.
7. Microwave your plastic for 20-25 seconds on high. Unseal bag before microwaving.

4. What happens to your plastic?
5. Form your plastic into a ball (while it is still warm) and describe what it does.

Name 3 things that could be made from corn plastic in the future.
Why is it necessary to find other forms of plastic?
What are the pros and cons of corn plastic?

Design an experiment to test the biodegradable plastic to traditional plastic
Examples of Variables:
-Sunlight
-Air
You must follow the scientific method!