Learning Outcomes
By the end of this activity, learners will:
- Understand the physical and chemical properties of different types of plastics
- Accurately record observations
- Communicate their results and think critically about the potential implications of what they mean within the circular economy process, and the environment
Curriculum Connections
AlbertaScience 20 Unit A: Chemical Changes
- 20-A3.1k identify materials used in daily life that are based upon Alberta’s petrochemical industry and that involve changes in energy
Grade 9 Unit C: Environmental Chemistry
- 3 - Analyze and evaluate mechanisms affecting the distribution of potentially harmful substances within an environment
Ontario
Grade 9 Chemistry (C1.1, C1.2, C2.2, C2.3, C3.4)
Length of Activity
60 - 90 minutes
Materials List
- Internet-enabled device
- Eco 360 notebook (we recommend asking learners to maintain a notebook for this program to write down reflections as they go through the program)
- Observation Tables Worksheet
- Solutions for Testing Density of Plastics Handout
- Information of Plastics Handout
- Samples of plastics coded with identifying numbers 1 through 6
- 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol
- Light corn syrup
- Water
- Metric or standard measuring spoon
- Four small, plastic cups or bowls
- Candle and matches for flame test
- Tongs
- Beaker of water
- Fine-tipped permanent marker
- Scissors
- Plastic Bag
- Reusable bag
- Scale
