Nature's Chemistry: Crafting Eco-Friendly Shampoo in 6 Weeks

High School Grade

Project
4 weeks

Nature's Chemistry: Crafting Eco-Friendly Shampoo in 6 Weeks

Elizabeth Sánchez Ordaz

Purpose

Students will engage in a hands-on project over six weeks, where they will research and create an organic product—such as soap, shampoo, a candle, or lipstick—integrating principles of organic chemistry and research methodology. This interdisciplinary project encourages students to apply chemical knowledge in a practical context, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. By the end of the project, students will have developed a tangible product, deepened their understanding of organic compounds, and enhanced their research and collaboration abilities.

Learning goals

Students will explore the principles of organic chemistry by researching and creating a product such as soap, shampoo, candle, or makeup over a six-week period. They will develop skills in research methodology, including formulating hypotheses, conducting experiments, and analyzing results. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, students will connect chemistry concepts with real-world applications, enhancing their understanding of product formulation and sustainability.

Standards

NGSS - HS-PS1-3: Plan and conduct an investigation to gather evidence to compare the structure of substances at the bulk scale to infer the strength of electrical forces between particles.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.11-12.7: Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.11-12.9: Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.

Products

Students will collaboratively design and create a product such as soap, shampoo, a candle, or lipstick over a six-week period. They will apply their understanding of organic chemistry principles to formulate and test their products, ensuring they meet safety and quality standards. This process will involve interdisciplinary research, incorporating both chemistry and research methodology, to explore the cultural and environmental context of Torreon, Coahuila, Mexico.

Launch

Begin the project with a hands-on exploration day where students experiment with various natural ingredients used in organic products. Set up interactive stations for testing the properties of oils, butters, and essential oils. Facilitate discussions on the chemistry behind these ingredients and their environmental impact. Conclude with a brainstorming session where students sketch initial ideas for their product, fostering excitement and curiosity about the six-week project ahead.

Exhibition

Students will host a "Science and Sustainability Fair" where they present their organic chemistry products—soap, shampoo, candle, or makeup—to peers, teachers, and community members. Each group will set up a booth showcasing their product, the research methodology they employed, and the chemistry principles involved. Attendees can engage with interactive demonstrations, ask questions, and provide feedback on the effectiveness and sustainability of the products. This event will highlight students' interdisciplinary learning and foster community engagement.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Activity 1: Introduction and Exploration - Engage students in a hands-on exploration day. Set up interactive stations where they can experiment with various natural ingredients used in organic products like soap, shampoo, and candles. Facilitate discussions on the chemistry behind these ingredients and their environmental impact.	Activity 2: Research Methodology Workshop - Conduct a workshop on research methodologies focusing on formulating hypotheses, designing experiments, and analyzing results. Guide students on how to conduct literature reviews and gather data relevant to their chosen product.	Activity 3: Brainstorming and Ideation - Lead a brainstorming session where students sketch initial ideas for their organic product. Encourage them to consider the cultural and environmental context of Torreon, Coahuila, Mexico, and discuss sustainability aspects.	Activity 4: Team Formation and Planning - Organize students into collaborative teams. Each team will select a product (soap, shampoo, candle, or lipstick) to develop. Facilitate the creation of a project plan outlining their research questions, goals, and initial steps.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Research Proposal - Each team must submit a research proposal outlining their chosen product, initial hypotheses, research questions, and a preliminary bibliography of sources.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Set up interactive ingredient exploration stations with natural oils, butters, and essential oils. 2. Prep Task 2: Prepare a presentation or handouts on research methodology, including examples of hypotheses and experiment designs. 3. Prep Task 3: Gather and provide access to resources and literature on organic chemistry and sustainable product design. 4. Prep Task 4: Arrange materials for brainstorming sessions, such as sketch paper, markers, and reference materials on local context and sustainability.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Activity 1: Ingredient Research and Selection - Students will conduct detailed research on the natural ingredients they explored in Week 1. They will evaluate the chemical properties, benefits, and safety of each ingredient, focusing on sustainability and local sourcing in Torreon, Coahuila, Mexico.	Activity 2: Formula Development - Students will apply their research to develop a preliminary formula for their chosen product (soap, shampoo, candle, or lipstick). They will consider the balance of ingredients, the desired properties of the final product, and the chemical reactions involved.	Activity 3: Prototyping - Students will create a small-scale prototype of their product using their initial formula. They will focus on the method of production, safety protocols, and the use of lab equipment.	Activity 4: Testing and Refinement - Students will test their prototypes to evaluate the effectiveness, safety, and quality of their products. They will document observations, identify areas for improvement, and refine their formulas accordingly.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Ingredient Research Report - Each team must submit a detailed report on the ingredients they have chosen, including chemical properties, benefits, and sourcing considerations. 2. Deliverable 2: Prototype and Testing Log - Teams will submit their initial product prototypes along with a log of their testing process, observations, and formula refinements.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Provide access to research databases and resources on natural ingredients, focusing on sustainability and local sourcing. 2. Prep Task 2: Gather laboratory materials and equipment needed for prototyping and testing, such as beakers, scales, and safety gear. 3. Prep Task 3: Coordinate with local suppliers or experts to provide insights on sourcing local ingredients in Torreon, Coahuila, Mexico. 4. Prep Task 4: Prepare safety instructions and protocols for students to follow during the prototype development and testing phases.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Activity 1: Advanced Formula Refinement - Students will engage in a deeper analysis of their prototype feedback from Week 2. They will apply their chemistry knowledge to adjust ingredient ratios and methods to enhance product quality.	Activity 2: Branding and Marketing Workshop - Students will explore basic principles of product branding and marketing. They will create a brand name, logo, and packaging design that reflects the sustainability and cultural context of their product.	Activity 3: Final Production - Students will produce a final version of their product using refined formulas. Emphasis will be on consistent quality, safety, and adherence to sustainability principles.	Activity 4: Presentation Preparation - Students will prepare presentations for the upcoming Science and Sustainability Fair. They will work on communicating their research process, chemical principles, and product impact effectively.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Refined Product Formula - Each team will submit a revised formula with detailed documentation of changes made and rationale based on testing results. 2. Deliverable 2: Branding Package - Teams will submit their branding materials including a brand name, logo, and packaging design. 3. Deliverable 3: Final Product Samples - Teams will produce and submit samples of their final product for quality assessment.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Provide resources on branding and marketing strategies, including examples of successful sustainable brands. 2. Prep Task 2: Ensure availability of materials for final production, including additional ingredients and packaging supplies. 3. Prep Task 3: Set up a workshop environment with design tools for creating branding materials. 4. Prep Task 4: Organize a peer-review session where students can give and receive feedback on presentation skills and content.

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Activity 1: Final Production Review - Teams will conduct a final assessment of their products, ensuring quality control and consistency across all samples. They will check for adherence to safety, sustainability, and functional standards.	Activity 2: Marketing Materials Creation - Students will finalize marketing materials, including brochures and product descriptions, to accompany their products at the upcoming fair. Emphasis will be on communicating the benefits and sustainability of their products.	Activity 3: Presentation Rehearsal - Teams will rehearse their presentations for the Science and Sustainability Fair. This will involve practicing delivery, refining content, and ensuring all team members contribute effectively.	Activity 4: Peer Feedback and Refinement - Students will participate in a peer review session, providing and receiving constructive feedback on their presentations and marketing materials. Teams will make necessary refinements based on feedback received.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Final Product Quality Assessment - Teams will submit a report documenting their quality control process and final product evaluations. 2. Deliverable 2: Marketing and Presentation Materials - Each team will provide a complete set of marketing materials and a finalized presentation outline.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Arrange access to presentation equipment such as projectors and display boards for the fair. 2. Prep Task 2: Review guidelines and rubrics for presentation and product evaluation. 3. Prep Task 3: Set up a peer feedback session, including guidelines for constructive criticism. 4. Prep Task 4: Ensure availability of additional resources for final product adjustments and marketing material creation.