First, young chemists practice polymer identification by density and flame tests. With the data collected, they propose a method of separating polyethylene from other plastics and determine what property makes it desirable for recycling....

This interactive presentation is a visual delight for young eyes! The title slide allows you to click on one type of material: wood, fabric, plastic, metal, or paper. You are then taken to a slide to consider numerous objects and...

A kaleidoscope is constructed using polarizing polymer paper and then low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, and polypropylene are all melted onto individual glass slides and examined through a microscope. The intent is to...

Play a game to review characteristics of different materials. Players will compare natural to man-made materials and how much light passes through them. They consider water and heat resistance as well. If you are preparing your class for...

Students explore how technology and science have created the plastics that make toys.  In this industrial processes instructional activity students work on their own injected molded product and a blow molded product.

In this salt moving worksheet, students move salt with rubber bands, plastic, cans, and more, but don't touch it. Students follow 5 directions and answer 2 questions, and relate this to sound waves.

Students bring to school five items they would normally throw away and five items they would normally recycle. Expert groups are formed to present information on the recycling of glass, metal, plastic, and organics such as paper and...

Learners test a variety of plastic bags to test its biodegradability. They record their observations and discuss them once the experiment is complete. They identify materials best suited to be placed in a landfill.

Students classify household items into either plastic or rubber. In this chemistry lesson, students justify their classification system. They explain the difference between observation and inference.