Align all age groups to same 4-day schedule

Sprouts expanded from 2 to 4 days (explore, measure, mix & mold, demold
& decorate). Shoots expanded from 3 to 4 days (gather, make paper,
crosslink & cure, wash & cut). Mixed-age groups now work side by side on
the same daily theme: Explore, Prepare, Transform, Finish.

Added cross-tier overview table showing all three groups per day.
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russell@unturf.com 2026-02-27 14:56:04 -05:00
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@ -24,12 +24,26 @@ Three age-appropriate recipes for turning hemp fiber into a physical object you
</p>
<div class="recipe-box">
<b>Pick your tier:</b><br>
<b>Sprouts</b> (ages 3-7): 2 days. Gather & measure, then mix & shape a coaster. Adult handles stove & oven only.<br>
<b>Shoots</b> (ages 8-12): 3 days. Gather & chop, make hemp paper, then crosslink & cure tiles. Adult handles oven only.<br>
<b>Stalks</b> (ages 13-18): 4 days. Safety training & gather, extract cellulose, dry & mix, then press a bioplastic disc. Students handle all chemistry. Adult supervises & handles oven.
<b>All three tiers run on the same 4-day schedule.</b> Mixed-age groups work side by side, each at their own level.<br><br>
<b>Sprouts</b> (ages 3-7): explore, measure, mix & mold, demold & decorate. Adult handles stove & oven only.<br>
<b>Shoots</b> (ages 8-12): gather & chop, make hemp paper, crosslink & cure, wash & cut. Adult handles oven only.<br>
<b>Stalks</b> (ages 13-18): safety & gather, extract cellulose, dry & mix, press & demold. Students handle all chemistry. Adult supervises & handles oven.
</div>
<h3>4-Day Overview</h3>
<table>
<thead>
<tr><th>Day</th><th>Theme</th><th>Sprouts (3-7)</th><th>Shoots (8-12)</th><th>Stalks (13-18)</th></tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr><td>1</td><td>Explore & Gather</td><td>Touch, smell, explore hemp fiber. Collect ingredients.</td><td>Examine fiber. Chop & measure crosslinking solution.</td><td>Safety briefing. Chop fiber & weigh chemicals.</td></tr>
<tr><td>2</td><td>Prepare</td><td>Weigh & bag dry ingredients. Tear fiber. Pick molds.</td><td>Soak fiber. Spread & press into hemp paper.</td><td>Dissolve NaOH, soak 2 hours, wash to pH 7.</td></tr>
<tr><td>3</td><td>Transform</td><td>Cook bioresin (adult), mix fiber, press into molds, oven dry.</td><td>Apply crosslinking solution. Press. Oven cure at 140C.</td><td>Oven dry cellulose. Weigh. Mix with glycerol.</td></tr>
<tr><td>4</td><td>Finish</td><td>Demold. Decorate. Compare raw fiber to finished coaster.</td><td>Wash cured sheet. Cut shapes. Compare all samples.</td><td>Pack mold. Hot press. Demold. Compare all samples.</td></tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<!-- ============================================================ -->
<!-- MATERIALS -->
<!-- ============================================================ -->
@ -84,10 +98,10 @@ Quantities listed per student. Multiply by group size. All ingredients stay food
<!-- ============================================================ -->
<span class="step-label">SPROUTS</span>
<h3>Ages 3-7: Hemp Fiber Coaster (2 days)</h3>
<h3>Ages 3-7: Hemp Fiber Coaster (4 days)</h3>
<p>
Based on <a href="/hemp-bioplastic/process/#step-7">Approach B (fiber + bioresin composite)</a>. Kids mix hemp fiber into a seaweed & corn starch bioresin, pour into molds, & take home a coaster or ornament. Adult handles stove & oven only.
Based on <a href="/hemp-bioplastic/process/#step-7">Approach B (fiber + bioresin composite)</a>. Kids mix hemp fiber into a seaweed & corn starch bioresin, pour into molds, & take home a decorated coaster or ornament. Adult handles stove & oven only. Short daily sessions match young attention spans.
</p>
<figure class="diagram">
@ -95,42 +109,73 @@ Based on <a href="/hemp-bioplastic/process/#step-7">Approach B (fiber + bioresin
<figcaption>Sprouts use Approach B: fiber + bioresin composite. no chemicals beyond kitchen ingredients.</figcaption>
</figure>
<h4>Day 1: Gather & Measure (~30 minutes)</h4>
<h4>Day 1: Explore & Gather (~30 minutes)</h4>
<div class="recipe-box">
<b>Inputs:</b> raw hemp fiber, corn starch, agar powder, water, kitchen scale, molds<br><br>
<b>Inputs:</b> raw hemp fiber, corn starch, agar powder, pictures or diagram of hemp plant<br><br>
<b>Process:</b><br>
1. Pass around raw hemp fiber. Touch it, pull it apart, smell it. Talk about where it comes from (a plant stalk taller than most adults).<br>
2. Kids weigh 5g agar powder on kitchen scale & pour into a labeled bag or bowl.<br>
3. Kids weigh 25g corn starch & pour into same bag/bowl.<br>
4. Kids measure 200 mL water into a jar with a lid.<br>
5. Kids tear 10g hemp fiber into small pieces (~1 cm). Tearing by hand works fine & keeps little fingers busy. Bag it.<br>
6. Set out molds. Kids pick which shape they want for tomorrow.<br><br>
1. Pass around raw hemp fiber. Touch it, pull strands apart, smell it. Compare thick bundles to thin single threads. (~10 min, kids active)<br>
2. Talk about where hemp comes from: a plant stalk taller than most adults. Show <a href="../img/plant-anatomy.svg">plant anatomy diagram</a>. Point to the stalk bark where fiber lives.<br>
3. Touch & smell each ingredient: agar powder (from seaweed in the ocean), corn starch (from corn). Taste a tiny pinch of corn starch. (~5 min, kids active)<br>
4. Collect all ingredients into a basket or tray. Label them together. (~5 min, kids active)<br>
5. Preview: "Over 4 days, we turn this scratchy fiber into a smooth, hard coaster. Tomorrow we measure everything." (~5 min, everyone)<br><br>
<b>Output:</b> labeled ingredient bags (dry mix + fiber), measured water, molds chosen. Everything staged for Day 2.<br><br>
<b>Output:</b> ingredient basket gathered & labeled. Kids familiar with raw materials.<br><br>
<b>Hands-on:</b> ~25 minutes. All kid labor. Adult assists with scale reading for youngest kids.
<b>Hands-on:</b> ~25 minutes. All sensory exploration. No measuring yet.
</div>
<h4>Day 2: Mix & Shape (~1 hour 30 minutes)</h4>
<h4>Day 2: Measure & Tear (~30 minutes)</h4>
<div class="recipe-box">
<b>Inputs:</b> ingredient bags & water from Day 1, saucepan, stove, oven, parchment paper<br><br>
<b>Inputs:</b> ingredient basket from Day 1, kitchen scale, bags or bowls, jar with lid, molds<br><br>
<b>Process:</b><br>
1. Kids pour dry mix (agar + starch) from Day 1 bag into saucepan. Kids pour in measured water. Kids stir until no clumps remain. (~5 min, kids active)<br>
1. Kids weigh 5g agar powder on kitchen scale & pour into a labeled bag or bowl. (~5 min, kids active, adult helps youngest read scale)<br>
2. Kids weigh 25g corn starch & pour into same bag. (~5 min, kids active)<br>
3. Kids measure 200 mL water into a jar with a lid. (~3 min, kids active)<br>
4. Kids tear 10g hemp fiber into small pieces (~1 cm). Tearing by hand works fine & keeps little fingers busy. Bag it. (~10 min, kids active)<br>
5. Set out molds. Kids pick which shape they want. (~5 min, kids active)<br><br>
<b>Output:</b> labeled bag of dry mix (agar + starch), bag of torn fiber, jar of measured water, molds chosen. Everything staged for Day 3.<br><br>
<b>Hands-on:</b> ~25 minutes. All kid labor.
</div>
<h4>Day 3: Mix & Mold (~1 hour)</h4>
<div class="recipe-box">
<b>Inputs:</b> dry mix bag, fiber bag, & water jar from Day 2, saucepan, stove, oven, parchment paper, molds<br><br>
<b>Process:</b><br>
1. Kids pour dry mix (agar + starch) from Day 2 bag into saucepan. Kids pour in measured water. Kids stir until no clumps remain. (~5 min, kids active)<br>
2. Adult moves saucepan to stove. Heat on medium, stirring continuously. Kids observe from safe distance as mixture thickens into smooth, viscous liquid (like thick gravy). ~8 minutes. Adult removes from heat. Cool ~5 minutes until warm but safe to touch. (~13 min, adult handles stove, kids observe)<br>
3. Kids add torn fiber from Day 1 bag into warm bioresin. Every kid gets a turn stirring until fiber spreads evenly. Mixture should feel like thick oatmeal. (~10 min, kids active)<br>
4. Kids press mixture into molds on parchment paper. Pack firmly with fingers or back of a spoon. Fill to ~5mm for coasters, ~3mm for ornaments. For ornaments, kids poke a hole with a toothpick (for hanging string later). (~20 min, kids active)<br>
3. Kids add torn fiber from Day 2 bag into warm bioresin. Every kid gets a turn stirring until fiber spreads evenly. Mixture should feel like thick oatmeal. (~10 min, kids active)<br>
4. Kids press mixture into molds on parchment paper. Pack firmly with fingers or back of a spoon. Fill to ~5mm for coasters, ~3mm for ornaments. For ornaments, kids poke a hole with a toothpick (for hanging string later). (~15 min, kids active)<br>
5. Adult places molds in oven at 150C for 20 minutes. <b>BREAK:</b> snack, wash hands, clean workspace. (~20 min, oven runs unattended)<br>
6. Adult removes molds. Cool 15 minutes. Kids demold. (~15 min, kids active at end)<br>
7. Compare raw fiber sample with finished coaster. Discussion: what changed? Why did it harden? Pack take-home bag. (~10 min, everyone)<br><br>
6. Adult removes molds. Set aside to cool completely. Do NOT demold today. Cooling overnight gives a harder result. (~2 min, adult handles oven)<br><br>
<b>Output:</b> 1 coaster (~8 cm diameter) or 2-3 small ornaments per student.<br><br>
<b>Output:</b> coasters/ornaments in molds, cooling overnight. Demolding happens on Day 4.<br><br>
<b>Hands-on:</b> ~45 minutes kid labor out of 1.5 hours. Adult touches stove (~8 min) & oven (~5 min) only.<br>
<b>Attention span note:</b> longest continuous hands-on stretch runs ~20 minutes (molding). For ages 3-5, split molding into two rounds with a wiggle break between.
<b>Hands-on:</b> ~30 minutes kid labor out of 1 hour. Adult touches stove (~8 min) & oven (~5 min) only.<br>
<b>Attention span note:</b> longest continuous stretch runs ~15 minutes (molding). For ages 3-5, split molding into two rounds with a wiggle break between.
</div>
<h4>Day 4: Demold & Decorate (~30 minutes)</h4>
<div class="recipe-box">
<b>Inputs:</b> cooled molds from Day 3, raw fiber sample from Day 1, acrylic paint or markers (optional), string for ornaments (optional)<br><br>
<b>Process:</b><br>
1. Kids demold coasters & ornaments. Gently flex silicone mold edges & push from bottom. (~5 min, kids active)<br>
2. Compare: pass around a piece of raw fiber from Day 1 & the finished coaster side by side. Feel the difference. Discuss: scratchy & floppy turned into smooth & hard. What happened? The starch & seaweed glued the fibers together, & heat locked everything in place. (~5 min, everyone)<br>
3. Optional: kids decorate with acrylic paint, markers, or stamps. Thread string through ornament holes. (~15 min, kids active)<br>
4. Pack take-home bag: finished coaster or ornaments + a piece of raw hemp fiber to keep for comparison. (~5 min, kids active)<br><br>
<b>Output:</b> 1 coaster (~8 cm diameter) or 2-3 small ornaments per student, decorated & ready to take home.<br><br>
<b>Hands-on:</b> ~25 minutes. All kid labor. No adult needed.
</div>
<p>
@ -142,7 +187,7 @@ Based on <a href="/hemp-bioplastic/process/#step-7">Approach B (fiber + bioresin
<!-- ============================================================ -->
<span class="step-label">SHOOTS</span>
<h3>Ages 8-12: Citric Acid Tiles (3 days)</h3>
<h3>Ages 8-12: Citric Acid Tiles (4 days)</h3>
<p>
Based on <a href="/hemp-bioplastic/process/#step-8">Approach C (citric acid crosslinking)</a>. Students soak hemp fiber in a citric acid solution, press flat, & cure in an oven. Citric acid comes from lemon juice concentrate, keeping everything food-safe. Result: rigid tiles, bookmarks, or plant labels.
@ -159,11 +204,11 @@ Based on <a href="/hemp-bioplastic/process/#step-8">Approach C (citric acid cros
<b>Inputs:</b> raw hemp fiber, lemon juice concentrate, glycerol, scissors, kitchen scale<br><br>
<b>Process:</b><br>
1. Examine raw hemp fiber. Pull apart a strand. Notice how fibers separate into thin threads. Discuss where it comes from (stalk bark, not leaves or seeds).<br>
1. Examine raw hemp fiber. Pull apart a strand. Notice how fibers separate into thin threads. Discuss where it comes from (stalk bark, not leaves or seeds). (~5 min, everyone)<br>
2. Students chop 25g hemp fiber to 2-3 cm lengths with scissors. Bag it. (~15 min, students active)<br>
3. Students measure 15 mL lemon juice concentrate into a small jar. Weigh 5g glycerol, add to same jar. Stir. Cap it. Label "crosslinking solution." (~10 min, students active)<br>
4. Set aside a small sample of raw unchipped fiber for comparison on Day 3.<br>
5. Review the 3-day plan: chop → paper → crosslink. Each day's output feeds the next day. (~5 min, everyone)<br><br>
4. Set aside a small sample of raw unchopped fiber for comparison on Day 4.<br>
5. Review the 4-day plan: chop → paper → crosslink → finish. Each day's output feeds the next day. (~5 min, everyone)<br><br>
<b>Output:</b> bag of chopped fiber + jar of crosslinking solution + raw fiber sample. Stored until Day 2.<br><br>
@ -179,14 +224,14 @@ Based on <a href="/hemp-bioplastic/process/#step-8">Approach C (citric acid cros
1. Students pour chopped fiber into a bowl. Measure & add 500 mL water. Stir. Start a 30-minute soak. (~5 min, students active)<br>
2. <b>BREAK (25 min).</b> Fiber soaks unattended. Snack, sketch the process so far, or discuss hemp plant anatomy.<br>
3. Students spread soaked fiber evenly onto a flat screen or mesh. Spread thin & even, like making a pancake from fiber. (~10 min, students active)<br>
4. Students press flat with a board. Drain for 5 minutes. Set aside a small piece of this untreated hemp paper as a comparison sample. (~5 min, students active)<br><br>
4. Students press flat with a board. Drain for 5 minutes. Set aside a small piece of this untreated hemp paper as a comparison sample for Day 4. (~5 min, students active)<br><br>
<b>Output:</b> rough sheet of hemp paper + untreated paper sample for comparison. Store paper flat between sheets of parchment until Day 3.<br><br>
<b>Output:</b> rough sheet of hemp paper + untreated paper sample. Store paper flat between sheets of parchment until Day 3.<br><br>
<b>Hands-on:</b> ~20 minutes. All student labor. No adult needed.
</div>
<h4>Day 3: Crosslink & Cure (~1 hour 30 minutes + overnight dry)</h4>
<h4>Day 3: Crosslink & Cure (~1 hour 30 minutes)</h4>
<div class="recipe-box">
<b>Inputs:</b> hemp paper from Day 2, crosslinking solution from Day 1, parchment paper, baking sheet, boards/books, brick or cast iron pan, oven<br><br>
@ -197,13 +242,27 @@ Based on <a href="/hemp-bioplastic/process/#step-8">Approach C (citric acid cros
3. Students place soaked sheet between two pieces of parchment paper. Press between two flat boards. Stack heavy books on top or clamp with binder clips. Press 20 minutes. (~5 min active + 15 min wait, students active then wait)<br>
4. Adult transfers pressed sheet (still between parchment) onto baking sheet. Places brick or cast iron pan on top. Oven at 140C for 45 minutes. Heat activates citric acid crosslinking, bonding cellulose chains together. (~2 min, adult handles oven)<br>
5. <b>BREAK (45 min).</b> Oven cures unattended. Outdoor free time, journaling, or related lesson on bioplastic vs. petroleum.<br>
6. Adult removes from oven. Cool 10 minutes. Students soak cured sheet in water to remove unreacted material. Pat dry. (~15 min, students active)<br>
7. Students cut tiles, bookmarks, or plant labels using scissors. Adult supervises if using a craft knife. (~10 min, students active)<br>
8. Compare all three samples side by side: raw fiber from Day 1, untreated paper from Day 2, cured crosslinked sheet from today. Discussion: what changed at each step? Pack take-home bag. Air dry overnight at home. (~10 min, everyone)<br><br>
6. Adult removes from oven. Cool 10 minutes. Students place cured sheet in a bowl of water to soak overnight. This removes unreacted citric acid & glycerol. (~10 min, students active)<br><br>
<b>Output:</b> 2-3 tiles (~5x8 cm), or 3-4 bookmarks, or 4-5 plant labels per student. Fully cured after overnight dry.<br><br>
<b>Output:</b> cured crosslinked sheet soaking in water overnight. Washing completes before Day 4.<br><br>
<b>Hands-on:</b> ~45 minutes student labor out of 1.5 hours. Adult touches oven only (~5 min).
<b>Hands-on:</b> ~25 minutes student labor out of 1.5 hours. Adult touches oven only (~5 min).
</div>
<h4>Day 4: Wash, Cut & Compare (~45 minutes)</h4>
<div class="recipe-box">
<b>Inputs:</b> soaked cured sheet from Day 3, raw fiber sample from Day 1, untreated paper sample from Day 2, scissors, towel<br><br>
<b>Process:</b><br>
1. Students remove cured sheet from water. Pat dry with towel. Feel the difference: stiffer, smoother, more plastic than the untreated paper from Day 2. (~5 min, students active)<br>
2. Students cut tiles, bookmarks, or plant labels from cured sheet using scissors. Adult supervises if using a craft knife. (~15 min, students active)<br>
3. Compare all three samples side by side: raw fiber (Day 1), untreated hemp paper (Day 2), cured crosslinked tile (today). Pass them around. Bend each one. Feel the difference in stiffness. Drop water on each to compare absorption. (~10 min, everyone)<br>
4. Discussion: what changed at each step? Why did lemon juice & heat turn floppy paper into rigid tile? Pack take-home bag. (~10 min, everyone)<br><br>
<b>Output:</b> 2-3 tiles (~5x8 cm), or 3-4 bookmarks, or 4-5 plant labels per student.<br><br>
<b>Hands-on:</b> ~30 minutes. All student labor. No adult needed (unless craft knife).
</div>
<p>
@ -320,16 +379,16 @@ Based on <a href="/hemp-bioplastic/process/#step-6">Protocol 2 (gentle cellulose
<h4>Sprouts (ages 3-7)</h4>
<div class="recipe-box">
<b>Adult handles:</b> stove on Day 2 & oven on Day 2. Nothing else requires adult hands.<br>
<b>Kids handle:</b> all measuring (Day 1), tearing fiber (Day 1), stirring (Day 2), molding (Day 2), demolding (Day 2).<br>
<b>Adult handles:</b> stove & oven on Day 3 only. Nothing else requires adult hands across all 4 days.<br>
<b>Kids handle:</b> exploring (Day 1), all measuring & tearing (Day 2), stirring & molding (Day 3), demolding & decorating (Day 4).<br>
<b>Watch for:</b> kids putting fiber or starch mixture in mouths. All ingredients stay food-safe but taste terrible.<br>
<b>Allergens:</b> check for corn & seaweed allergies before Day 1.
</div>
<h4>Shoots (ages 8-12)</h4>
<div class="recipe-box">
<b>Adult handles:</b> oven on Day 3 only. Craft knife supervision on Day 3 if needed.<br>
<b>Students handle:</b> all chopping & measuring (Day 1), all soaking & paper-making (Day 2), all crosslinking & washing (Day 3). All solutions stay food-safe (lemon juice & glycerol).<br>
<b>Adult handles:</b> oven on Day 3 only. Craft knife supervision on Day 4 if needed.<br>
<b>Students handle:</b> all chopping & measuring (Day 1), all soaking & paper-making (Day 2), all crosslinking & soaking (Day 3), all washing & cutting (Day 4). All solutions stay food-safe (lemon juice & glycerol).<br>
<b>Watch for:</b> lemon juice in eyes on Day 3 (stings but not dangerous). Keep a damp cloth nearby.<br>
<b>Allergens:</b> citrus sensitivity. Glycerol stays hypoallergenic.
</div>
@ -406,16 +465,16 @@ Based on <a href="/hemp-bioplastic/process/#step-6">Protocol 2 (gentle cellulose
<h3>Take Home Checklist</h3>
<div class="recipe-box">
<b>Sprouts take home (after Day 2):</b><br>
&#9744; 1 hemp fiber coaster or 2-3 ornaments<br>
<b>Sprouts take home (Day 4):</b><br>
&#9744; 1 decorated hemp fiber coaster or 2-3 ornaments<br>
&#9744; A piece of raw hemp fiber to compare with finished product<br><br>
<b>Shoots take home (after Day 3, plus overnight dry):</b><br>
<b>Shoots take home (Day 4):</b><br>
&#9744; 2-3 citric acid tiles, bookmarks, or plant labels<br>
&#9744; Raw hemp fiber sample (saved Day 1)<br>
&#9744; Untreated hemp paper sample (saved Day 2)<br><br>
<b>Stalks take home (after Day 4, plus slow cool):</b><br>
<b>Stalks take home (Day 4, plus slow cool):</b><br>
&#9744; 1 pressed bioplastic disc or container<br>
&#9744; Raw hemp fiber sample (saved Day 1)<br>
&#9744; Dried cellulose sample (saved Day 3)<br>