Copy Of Initial Proposal Stem

Eliza Roesler Caitlin Dwyer

Initial Proposal: Water Bubbles Background Currently, there are 315 billion pounds of plastic waste in the ocean. This is a huge problem, because it strains wildlife, and pollutes a natural resource we so desperately rely on. Our project, “Water Bubbles”, aims to help fix that. Our senior capstone project would be to create a biodegradable / edible water bottle, so that we can reduce the 46,000 pieces of plastic bottles that float in the ocean today. The two main ingredients that the edible bottle would consist of is sodium alginate (found in seaweed), and calcium lactate (found in baking powder). The calcium lactate is used in reverse-spherification, which gives it the “bubble” look. The sodium alginate gives it the “gel” texture, which makes for a bubble of water that can be safely eaten or composted.

Objectives 1) 2) 3) 4) 5)

Identify the engineering issue & current product weaknesses Compile significant background research about the product Specify the requirement of a project, estimate figures (costs etc…) Design and evaluate project proposals and select the best solution Do a complete material analysis to find: a) Relative strength b) Time to decompose c) Manufacturing constraints d) Forms it comes in e) Price f)

6) 7) 8) 9)

Use / quantity of product

Develop a prototype of the best product design Hold prototype testing sessions and survey the public. Analyze results and data If statistics show an unfavorable response to the design: a) Review information and project procedure b) Make changes to improve the design 10)If statistics show a positive majority response: a) Communicate results and officialize the final product 11)Present project to panel of judges

Eliza Roesler Caitlin Dwyer

Broader Scope Our final goal for this project is to create a biodegradable water bottle that would reduce plastic and pollution in the world and improve upon the prototypes that are already out. Our main focus will be on creating a sturdier shell for the water that will be able to be transported and given out in activities like marathon races. We will also look into other possible liquids to go into the “bubbles” like medicine or vitamins, that will be more appealing to kids. Over all, we want our final product to be more diverse, sturdier, and appealing than the preexisting designs.

Timeframe Phase

Task

Deadline

1

Project Proposal

December 14th, 2018

2

Research

February 15th, 2019

3

Product Construction

March 20th, 2019

4

Final Product

May 21st, 2019

Project Budget The cost of this project will be fairly cheap. The only two materials we need to buy are the calcium lactate and the sodium alginate. They are both $19.95 for 14 ounces and 16 ounces, respectively. This ensures we have more than enough for all of our tests and final product, as only a few grams of each are needed for each batch, which produces water bubbles that contain five cups of water.

Development Process ● Research and study the problem: We will research into the significant problems plastic has on our planet, and how long it takes to biodegrade. We will also research into the already existing prototypes and their pros and cons. We will use these pros and cons to help us construct our own model.

Eliza Roesler Caitlin Dwyer

● Design: After researching, we will create the design of our product. ● Prototyping: We will create a sample of our product using the calcium lactate and sodium alginate formula, and test its durability and gage its usefulness. ● Surveying: The next step would be to conduct a survey to understand the needs of our market, and discover possible upgrades.

Current Solutions In the market, there is currently a company which uses a similar model (below). The company, called “Ooho”, whose product consists of an entirely biodegradable outside packaging that holds the water made from seaweed, has patented this but is still in the idea stage. It has already been used in a marathon, with the edible water bottles used at the water tables for easy access.

Our Team Team Member

Job

Tasks

Eliza Roesler

Manager, and Communicator

Approve assignments, turn in final work, and update mentor and Mr. Tronconi

Caitlin Dwyer

Facilitator, and Fabricator

Manage incoming of new tasks and create timelines, manage materials, and run mentor meetings

Eliza Roesler Caitlin Dwyer

Our Mentor: Mrs. Jennifer Carlomagno Occupation: Biology and AP Biology teacher at San Marin with a specialty in all life sciences Degree: Graduated biology major from University of California, Santa Barbara

Research - Need to Know 1. 2. 3. 4.

5. 6. 7. 8.

9.

Specifics of Environmental Engineering Other shell ingredients Best place to implement a water solution Packaging to other countries a. Inspections b. Customs Durability Market survey Sustainable engineering concepts Life cycle analysis report a. Effect on environment b. Biodegradablility c. Potential harm of calcium / sodium deposits in the soil Economics a. Cost b. Value c. Distribution d. Return on investment e. Future value

Monitoring and Evaluation Our official evaluator will be Mr. Tronconi, and our mentor will guide us before we turn things in. The final analysis of our project will commence in June 2019.

Approval Signatures