Materials Science and Recycling:

The Plastics Renewal Project

Plastics Renewal Project:

This initiative plans to reach over 7,500 students who visit Fluxspace each academic year. A core group of eight high school students enrolled at Cupola Academy will serve on the executive committee. This committee will connect with hundreds of Norristown residents and visitors through their community outreach efforts. In addition, the approximately thirty families enrolled in Cupola’s programs will also be involved and positively impacted by this program, and social media posts from both Cupola and Fluxspace will help educate and inform an even broader audience.

This interdisciplinary course open to homeschooled, cyber schooled, and dual-enrolled high school students for the 2023-2024 academic year delves into the science, engineering, and chemistry principles behind recycling and upcycling of type 2 plastics, primarily focusing on high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Students will gain a deep understanding of the material properties, recycling processes, and potential applications of recycled type 2 plastics, and the molecular-level changes that occur during these processes.

Through hands-on experience with various recycling machines and equipment, students will learn to transform waste plastics into valuable, sustainable resources, contributing to a circular economy. Furthermore, the course emphasizes community outreach and engagement, enabling students to create a positive impact on local recycling efforts and environmental awareness. The core group of eight high school students have titled this process the “Plastic Renewal Project”. Please click below to follow the group’s progress.