Standard*: D.4.1: Understanding that objects are made of more than one substance, by observing, describing, and measuring the properties of earth materials, including properties of size, weight, shape, color, temperature, and the ability to react with other substances.

Objective: Students will increase their knowledge of products made from plastics and be able to identify various properties of different kinds of plastic.

Materials: Numerous items made from plastic collected by the students, paper, and pencils.

Activity: After a brief discussion of leading questions, students will be given 5 minutes to individually write down as many items they can think of that are made from plastic. Without sharing their thoughts, so a variety of objects will be brought in, students will bring in as many objects as they can. When the items are brought in, as a group observe and record the similarities and differences among the plastic objects. Make a table to record the color, mass, texture, flexibility, size, hardness, etc.

Assessment: Students will be able to identify 10 – 15 items made from plastic or have plastic parts. Students will also be able to identify 3-5 differences in their properties when comparing the plastics.

Resources: Objects for consideration: Helmets, toothbrush, comb, bowls, cups, eating utensils, water bottles, soap bottles, ice cream containers, plastic bags, plastic wrap, pencil boxes, etc.

* Wisconsin Model Academic Standards