ASE 2026 Technicians Summer Conference

This hands-on session will introduce you to a range of quick practicals, demonstrations and science "toys" that can be used as hooks to introduce a topic, add variety to lessons and act as a recap for revision or engage and enthuse curious students in the wonders of science.

There will be something for everyone - we'll cover physics, biology and chemistry.

This engaging and practical session introduces science technicians to the fascinating world of bioplastics through three accessible and classroom-friendly experiments. Participants will explore how everyday natural materials—milk, potatoes, and seaweed—can be transformed into plastic-like substances, highlighting key concepts in polymer chemistry, sustainability, and green science.
The session is designed to provide hands-on experience, adaptable demonstrations, and practical tips for implementation in school laboratories.
Part 1: Making Plastic from Milk (Casein Plastic) – Practical
Participants will produce a simple bioplastic using milk and an acid (e.g. vinegar or lemon juice).
Key Concepts:

• Protein structure and denaturation
• Formation of casein polymer
• Thermosetting plastics

Activities:

• Heating milk and adding acid to precipitate casein
• Filtering and shaping the resulting material
• Discussion of variables (temperature, acid concentration)

Takeaway: A quick, reliable experiment ideal for classroom demonstrations or student practicals.

Part 2: Plastic from Potatoes (Starch-Based Bioplastic) – Demonstration & Discussion
This section will showcase examples of starch-based plastics made from potatoes. Pre-prepared samples at different stages will be shared.
Key Concepts:

• Starch as a polymer (amylose and amylopectin)
• Plasticisers (e.g. glycerol) and their role
• Biodegradability and material properties

Activities:

• Examination of sample materials
• Discussion of preparation method and common pitfalls
• Comparison of flexibility, strength, and transparency

Takeaway: Practical insight into a slightly more complex process, with guidance for successful classroom adaptation.

Part 3: Cross-Linking Polymers from Seaweed (Alginate) – Practical
Participants will create gel-like “plastic” beads or shapes using sodium alginate and calcium chloride.
Key Concepts:

• Polymer cross-linking
• Ionic bonding in materials science
• Applications in food science and biomedical fields

Activities:

• Preparing alginate solution
• Dropping into calcium chloride to form beads or shapes
• Exploring texture and structure changes

Takeaway: A highly engaging, visual experiment with strong cross-curricular links.


Practical Considerations

• All experiments use relatively low-cost, accessible materials
• Minimal specialist equipment required
• Safety considerations and risk assessments will be provided
• Suitable for a range of age groups with adaptation

“Fantastic Plastics” offers a dynamic blend of hands-on experimentation and practical insight, equipping science technicians with the skills and confidence to bring polymer chemistry to life in an engaging and sustainable way. Participants will leave with resources, protocols, and inspiration to implement these activities in their own settings.

Chromatography experiments can be problematic. Finding the right pens and food dyes where the mixtures will separate into their component parts to the difficulty in getting the distinctive spots that appear on the exam paper rather than a smear on the chromatography paper.

This workshop will explore different methods that are safe, cost effective and give students definitive results.

This session will explore the importance of technicians as demonstrators and how best we as technicians can be utilised in a classroom environment.

There will be advice on how to get started with demonstrating, how to build confidence and a short showcase of demonstration examples too.