Congratulations Pauline Botros!

A Novel Approach Towards Constructing Bioplastic Out of Natural Waste

Natural Resources Challenge Award

Pauline Botros – Grade 9 student –  GOLD Medalist 

Congratulations to St. Theresa of Lisieux Grade 9 student Pauline Botros, Gold Medalist for the Natural Resources Challenge.

Over the past two years she has conducted research to create a viable alternative to petroleum based plastic by processing fruit peels high in starch to bioplastic. The bioplastic would be biodegradable and extremely cost efficient. She tested different fruit peels including, banana, kiwi, lemon, clementine, apple, potato, and sweet potato. Using the most successful fruit peels, she created bioplastic products including teabags, straws, foldable plastic bags, and candy wrappers.

Pauline’s Project Information

The 2021 York Region Science and Technology Fair was held virtually from Tuesday April 6 2021 to Saturday April 10 2021.

Pauline presented her science project in this year’s fair and was awarded a Gold Medal.

In addition, Pauline will represent the York Region at the Canada Wide Science Fair held virtually in Ottawa from May 17-21, 2021.

The Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF) is the country’s largest annual youth science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) event, bringing together top young scientists and their projects, selected by our national network of over 100 regional STEM fairs in every province and territory.

Three days of school and public viewing welcome visitors who engage with the finalists about their projects and also experience STEM Expo – interactive and inspiring exhibits featuring ideas and opportunities in STEM.

We wish Pauline good luck at the Canada Wide Science Fair.