We invite high school students to join us for a one-day program exploring green chemistry and engineering principles of plastics. This event will include hands-on activities and discussions in sustainability principles for plastics, including recycling innovations and challenges, biobased plastics, and the environmental impact of plastics.

Please see the FAQs below and contact uheti@Central.UH.EDU if you need additional information.

FAQS: 

DATE: Saturday, April 25, 2026

TIME: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (arrival/check-in from 8:30 - 9:00 AM)
LOCATION:  University of Houston Cullen College of Engineering Building 2 (https://maps.app.goo.gl/A5Kw63tpRRMbbgXYA)

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN MY PAYMENT FOR THE PROGRAM?

The following is included in your payment: paid parking voucher, lunch, swag, program supplies.

WHAT DOES MY STUDENT NEED TO BRING WITH THEM TO THE PROGRAM?

Your student does not have to bring any materials as they will be provided to them upon arrival. 

WHAT SHOULD MY STUDENT WEAR TO THE PROGRAM?

Closed toe shoes (no sandals or flip flops) and long pants are required. Your student can otherwise wear clothing that is comfortable.

WILL THERE BE FOOD FOR THE PARTICIPANTS?

Yes! There will be lunch, and healthy snacks and water provided to the students.

WHAT TIME DOES MY STUDENT NEED TO ARRIVE AT THE PROGRAM?

We request that your student arrive between 8:30-8:45 AM in order to successfully check-in prior to the start of the program.

HOW DO I DROP OFF MY STUDENT OR PARK AT THE UH CAMPUS?

We will have a table located outside of Engineering Building 2 for dropping off and picking up your student without parking. Otherwise, if your student will be driving themselves, or if you plan to stay at UH during the event, we will provide a parking voucher for on-campus parking. Specific instructions on how to drop off your student and where to park will be sent via email before the event. Please be sure to mention it in the google form.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE:

8:30-9:00 Arrival and check-in

9:00-9:45 Introduction to Sustainability of Plastics (large group discussion)

10:00-10:45 Breakout session 1 

11:00-11:45 Breakout session 2

12:00-1:00 Lunch

1:00-1:45  Breakout session 3

2:00-2:45  Breakout session 4

3:00-3:45 Wrap up 

4:00 Depart 

Breakout sessions:

Students will be split into small groups and complete hands-on activities related to the following topics:

1) How current recycling facilities sort plastic waste

2) Can biobased plastics compete with traditional plastics?

3) Exploring how plastic type determines the best recycling approach

4) Assessing the environmental impact of plastics 

COMMUNICATION

Please make sure to submit the correct spelling of your email in the form as we will use this information to send updates about the program. Please make sure to look in your spam folder for the emails from uheti@Central.UH.EDU.