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.
1. Plastics Analysis Lab
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
Interactive multimedia walk-through of activity
b) Falling Dart and Drop Dart Test
Interactive multimedia walk-through of activity
c) Abrasion Resistance
Interactive multimedia walk-through of activity
Activity Lesson Plans for Tensile Strength, Falling Dart and Drop Dart, and Abrasion Resistance Tests
Procedure Template
Rubric for Scoring
Comparison Matirx
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
Interactive multimedia walk-through of activity
b) Fatigue Resistance Activities
Interactive multimedia walk-through of activity
Activity Lesson Plans for Pendulum Impact and Fatigue Resistance Activities
Rebound Activity and Rebound Height Data Sheet