Project Description
In this project we chose a world problem and solved it using biotechnology. The problem that my group chose was pollution. Our solution is to manage waste, using bacteria in a way that reuses everything possible so as to prevent pollution and lower the need for production.
Pollution is getting worse and worse, and many animals are suffering because of it. The average American alone throws away 185 pounds of plastic each year, and this material could be reused. The Great Pacific Garbage patch is now twice the size of the state of Texas. These are just a couple examples of how pollution is affecting our world.
Our garbage processing plant will use bacteria to eat away all of the organic material, and make it easy to recycle. The excess bacteria will be processed to be used as fertilizer.
Pollution is getting worse and worse, and many animals are suffering because of it. The average American alone throws away 185 pounds of plastic each year, and this material could be reused. The Great Pacific Garbage patch is now twice the size of the state of Texas. These are just a couple examples of how pollution is affecting our world.
Our garbage processing plant will use bacteria to eat away all of the organic material, and make it easy to recycle. The excess bacteria will be processed to be used as fertilizer.
This shows the second stage, the first tank. This tank will contain anaerobic bacteria, and will begin breaking down the trash. A screen on top of the water will move floating debris forward. This process will repeated in the second tank, with aerobic bacteria. This tank will be aerated so that the bacteria can work faster.
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Content
This project was completely different for every group, so there weren't really any biology concepts that we all shared. The only thing that we followed together was the engineering design cycle.
This is the cycle-
This is the cycle-
- Define the Problem
- Do Background Research
- Specify Requirements
- Brainstorm Solutions
- Choose the Best Solution
- Do Development Work
- Build a Prototype
- Test and Redesign
Reflection
In this project we had some trouble working together as a group, but we got it done. In the beginning, we did very well, getting everything done well before it was done, and this was one of our peaks. It seemed like the whole project would be very easy. Then we realized that our whole plan already existed. This was one of our pits. We were stuck for precious days, just trying to think of something that didn't already exist. We even had to change the problem that we were solving. It seemed like we were doing ok for a while, but then we stopped working together. Our group was scattered and not focused. This was a big pit that we regretted, because we were pushed for time at the end. But just when it seemed like we would fail, we all pulled it together and got it done. Our second peak was when it all came together as we made the final presentation. In the end, we were able to present a well planned project, and it was a great end to the school year.