Plastics Science Education Activities
In this section, we have created animated multimedia walk-throughs of several plastics science education activities you can perform with your class. To further assist you, ACC has assembled a kit with samples of plastic resins and recycled plastic products that you will need to complete these activities.
To order the kit, please click here.
1.
Plastics Analysis Lab
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- Interactive multimedia walk-through of lab - click here |
| - Activity Lesson Plans |
In this series of separation activities, students will learn to follow
safety practices, follow flow charts, and complete an inquiry in a systematic
fashion. They will also investigate the physical properties of relative
density and specific gravity when identifying plastics through a series
of water, alcohol mixture, and oil tests. In addition, the use of heat
and chemical reaction tests will determine the differences between plastic
materials. By completing the separation activities, students also develop
observation skills and improve upon report writing. This is an example
of scientific inquiry, as defined by the National
Science Education Standards (NSES) in Content
Standard A for grades 5-8.
2. The HDPE Recycling Process
A single-day inquiry-based lesson plan designed to teach your students
the HDPE recycling process. The lesson plan is accompanied by a collection
of high quality pictures which can be run as a slideshow from your classroom
computer.
- Activity Lesson Plan with Slideshow Presentation
3. Industrial Testing
The following section of the Hands on Plastics
website features several industrial activities that can be used in the
classroom. By completing these activities, students have the opportunity
to investigate and analyze scientific questions. The inquiry requires
that students engage in multiple process skills such as manipulation,
cognition and procedural exercises. Further, students will have the opportunity
to use evidence and strategies to develop or revise an explanation. This
process develops the skills necessary to communicate science explanations.
Suggestions for student activities that include developing a procedure and designing a test are also included in this section. This area offers opportunities to meet some of the Science and Technology (Content Standard E) NSES recommendations for grades 5-8.
a) Tensile Strength Test
b) Falling Dart and Drop Dart Test
c) Abrasion Resistance
Is the multimedia walkthrough not working properly on your browser? Click here for answers to some frequently asked questions.
4. More Industrial Testing
The following activities in the Hands on Plastics
series offer opportunities to meet some of the Physical Science (Content
Standard B) NSES recommendations for grades 5-8.
a) Pendulum Impact Activities
b) Fatigue Resistance Activities
- Activity Lesson Plans for Pendulum Impact and Fatigue Resistance Activities
Is the multimedia walkthrough not working properly on your browser? Click here for answers to some frequently asked questions.
