Experimental approach to a remote engineering project and overcoming educational challenges.

Abstract

For some degrees, practicum projects are essential to the curricula. Owing to the mild conditions and safety of its manufacturing, bioplastics represent an interesting opportunity to implement a hands-on approach for students to develop at home in an extended laboratory scheme. This work developed an experimental approach as a home-based project to address an environmental problem in developing avocado seed-based bioplastics reinforced with essential oils and showing antifungal properties and improved water barrier properties. All the experiments and characterizations could be adapted to a house setting. This contribution shows that it is possible to complete an experimental practicum project totally based at home and with significant good results. This approach to conducting projects remotely could be adopted in universities facing constraints such as limited laboratory facilities or equipment availability. It can also be applied to remote education initiatives and to overcome educational barriers for individuals facing gender-based inequalities.