Green Glue

In this hands-on, inquiry-based lesson, students explore biomimicry and green chemistry by designing and creating their own biodegradable glue using household materials such as powdered milk, vinegar, and baking soda. Students first engage in a biomimicry matching activity to understand how nature inspires sustainable technologies, then apply green chemistry principles—safety, cost, and performance—to evaluate adhesive production methods. Through experimentation, observation, and reflection, students learn how chemistry can be used to prevent pollution at the design stage and how natural systems inspire safer, more sustainable materials.