Bearden High students virtually design and sell plant-based water bottles

KNOXVILLE, Tennessee (WVLT) – Juniors and seniors at Bearden High School in the Virtual Enterprises class picked up one of their classmate’s ideas to virtually start a water bottle business.

The catch is, it’s not a disposable plastic water bottle. Instead, “Plas-Tech” is plant-based and uses nanocellulose, which comes from wood pulp.

In Bradynn Belcher’s research, she discovered that BPA is often one of the chemicals found in plastic water bottles.

“93% of the world’s leading water bottle brands contain microplastics that release toxic chemicals into your water,” said Belcher, a senior executive and CEO of Plas-Tech.

She is a softball player who used to drink a lot of plastic water bottles on weekends at tournaments. Earlier this year, Belcher was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, or PCOS, which can lead to other health issues.

This is not your typical high school class. These Virtual Business students at @bhsdawgs develop and market a product virtually and run the class like a business. Juniors and Seniors created ‘Plas-Tech’ and the story goes deeper than a simple plant-based water bottle company. pic.twitter.com/A1f99j8AeF
– Ashley Bohle (@AshleyWVLT) December 7, 2021

Belcher said: “I never understood why. I never understood how. They said it could be genetic, but no one else in my family has it.

The virtual business class wanted to design, create, and market a product that could change Belcher’s life. Even though all is not real, they created a business plan for their water bottles made from pants, not plastic.

“I put my heart and soul into this class, and I feel like I am rediscovering that experience,” Belcher said.

Students also learn interpersonal skills such as networking, delegation, and communication.

“It really develops skills that you can’t learn in a traditional classroom,” said Jami Aylor, teacher and facilitator of the virtual business course.

It was the first year since Aylor had taught the class that a team made a product with a personal connection.

“I think it gives it a special touch,” said Aylor.

The class also won the East Tennessee Virtual Enterprises competition. On Wednesday, they move on to state competition against a handful of other schools. If they win that, they will go to the nationals in the spring.

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