Years ago, I saw an article online about a pumpkin decorating contest by NASA . The results were spectacular: there were moving parts, whirling parts, computers programmed to display LED messages, depictions of sciences, and some really crazy themes! As Exploratek activity coordinator at the Canada Science and Technology Museum, I was immediately inspired to bring a similar activity to our visitors.

Did you know that Canada processes a whopping 2.86 million tonnes of potatoes a year — into things like frozen French fries, instant mashed potatoes and chips? Unfortunately, all of that processing translates into a lot of potato waste. But recently — at the University of Alberta — a team of innovative researchers found a way to put these potato processing leftovers to good use...by transforming then into a biodegradable plastic! Watch this short, educational video — developed by the Canada

Danish Mahmood - London, ON - London Central Secondary School Project: W.I.N.I.T.S. (Wireless Interconnected Non-Invasive Triage System)

(Image cred: Boston Public Library )