Five Students from Huesca Awarded at Science in Action
Students Ana Franco, Jara Gil, Eva Ollés, Emma Viñuela, and Ziqi Ángela Xie from IES Sierra de Guara in Huesca received an Honorable Mention in the category of Environment and Sustainable Development at the international competition Science in Action. Their research, presented during the 26th edition of the event, focused on a comparative analysis of textile materials from different sources.
The project titled The Science Behind Clothing: Cotton or Plastic? was supervised by Esther Escartín and Laura Vallés, with support from Professor Arturo Bobed. The young scientists compared different garments made of cotton and polyester subjected to various conditions: solar exposure, temperature variations, body thermal response, contact with detergents, water, and vinegar.
The results contradicted their initial hypothesis. Although they expected cotton to show better thermal response and comfort, they discovered that polyester is a viable alternative that allows for recycling plastics and reduces water consumption.
The students concluded that it is necessary to consume less clothing, question fast fashion, and prioritize sustainable materials such as organic cotton produced in an eco-friendly and worker-respectful manner. They developed community service activities through clothing exchange markets and environmental awareness booths, aligned with Sustainable Development Goals 11, 12, 13, and 14.
The final was held in Onda (Castellón) over three days, bringing together more than 300 participants who presented approximately 66 projects in fields such as Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biomedicine, and Technology. The event included interactive exhibits, experimental demonstrations, workshops, and theatrical performances, with participation from scientific institutions, universities, and municipal collaboration.
