Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we create a sustainable haircare product that effectively combines chemistry principles with environmental responsibility while considering consumer choices and measuring its effectiveness against traditional options?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- What are the chemical principles behind the ingredients used in sustainable haircare products?
- How can we measure the effectiveness of eco-friendly shampoos compared to traditional shampoos?
- In what ways can we reduce the environmental impact of haircare products during the production, use, and disposal phases?
- What role do consumer choices play in the sustainability of haircare products?
- How can understanding matter and chemical reactions help us create a safer and more effective shampoo?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Identify and explain the chemical principles behind the ingredients used in sustainable haircare products.
- Design and conduct experiments to measure the effectiveness of eco-friendly shampoos against traditional shampoos.
- Analyze the environmental impact of haircare products during production, use, and disposal phases.
- Evaluate consumer choices and their implications on sustainability in haircare.
Next Generation Science Standards
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsNature vs. Science: The Great Shampoo Debate
Introduce students to a debate format where they must argue for or against conventional versus eco-friendly haircare products. This forces them to explore the chemistry behind both options and think critically about sustainability, consumer choices, and the environmental impact of the beauty industry.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Chemistry of Hair: Exploring Ingredients
In this activity, students will research various ingredients commonly found in haircare products and evaluate their chemical properties and environmental impacts. This foundational knowledge will guide students in making informed choices for their sustainable haircare product design.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comprehensive report detailing the chemical properties and environmental impacts of various haircare ingredients.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsThis activity aligns with the standards related to understanding matter and its properties, which is essential for designing a product.Sustainable Solutions: Eco-Friendly Alternatives
Students will now research eco-friendly alternatives to harmful haircare ingredients and begin to formulate ideas for their sustainable shampoo. This activity develops their ability to identify sustainable chemistry solutions.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comparison chart that lists harmful ingredients alongside their sustainable alternatives and effectiveness.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsThis activity aligns with identifying and evaluating substances based on their properties, which supports the overall design of their product.Design Your Shampoo: Formulation Planning
Students will apply their knowledge of chemistry and sustainability to design a formulation of their eco-friendly shampoo. They will utilize their research to choose appropriate ingredients and justify their selections based on chemical properties and environmental impacts.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA shampoo formulation plan that outlines the ingredients, their roles, and a justification for their selection based on sustainability.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsThis activity directly aligns with the application of chemical principles in real-world contexts and reinforces the understanding of eco-sustainability.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioSustainable Haircare Product Design
Understanding of Chemical Principles
Assessing the depth of student understanding of the chemical properties of haircare ingredients and their impact on product effectiveness.Chemical Properties Analysis
Ability to analyze and understand the chemical properties of various haircare ingredients.
Exemplary
4 PointsDisplays a comprehensive understanding of chemical properties, expertly analyzing ingredient effectiveness and impact.
Proficient
3 PointsShows thorough understanding and accurate analysis of the chemical properties of ingredients.
Developing
2 PointsDemonstrates basic understanding, with some errors in analyzing chemical properties.
Beginning
1 PointsShows initial understanding with significant errors or omissions in analysis.
Environmental Impact Evaluation
Skill in assessing the environmental impact of haircare ingredients.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides a detailed evaluation of environmental impacts, integrating complex factors effectively.
Proficient
3 PointsConducts a thorough evaluation of environmental impacts using relevant factors.
Developing
2 PointsEvaluates environmental impact with some relevant considerations but lacks depth.
Beginning
1 PointsOffers a superficial evaluation with limited attention to environmental factors.
Research and Innovation
Evaluating the creativity and thoroughness in researching and suggesting sustainable alternatives to harmful ingredients.Innovation in Solution Design
Creativity in proposing innovative, sustainable alternatives for harmful ingredients.
Exemplary
4 PointsProposes highly creative, well-researched alternatives, expertly blending innovation with feasibility.
Proficient
3 PointsPresents sound, well-researched alternatives showing effective innovation.
Developing
2 PointsProposes alternatives that show basic innovation with limited research support.
Beginning
1 PointsOffers minimal innovation and research in suggesting alternatives.
Research Completeness
Depth and thoroughness of research conducted on ingredients and alternatives.
Exemplary
4 PointsConducts exhaustive research with comprehensive analysis and presentation of findings.
Proficient
3 PointsConducts detailed research with reliable presentation of findings.
Developing
2 PointsPerforms basic research with partial presentation of findings.
Beginning
1 PointsDisplays limited research with poor presentation of findings.
Application and Design
Evaluation of the student's ability to apply chemical knowledge to the practical challenge of formulating an eco-friendly shampoo.Formulation Plan Effectiveness
Effectiveness and practicality of the proposed shampoo formulation plan.
Exemplary
4 PointsCrafts a highly effective, practical formulation with comprehensive chemical rationale.
Proficient
3 PointsDevelops an effective formulation with appropriate chemical justifications.
Developing
2 PointsFormulates a basic plan lacking in thorough chemical justification.
Beginning
1 PointsProduces an unsubstantiated formulation with minimal chemical rationale.
Sustainability Justification
Quality of sustainability justification and its influence on ingredient selection.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides compelling sustainability justifications, aligning ingredient choices with eco-responsible practices.
Proficient
3 PointsOffers clear justifications that thoughtfully incorporate sustainability.
Developing
2 PointsJustifications partially address sustainability, needing more depth.
Beginning
1 PointsOffers weak justifications with little attention to sustainability practices.