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Recyclable Plastics: Identification Using Relative Density and Flammability

Kit #704
$324.40
Recyclable Plastics: Identification Using Relative Density and Flammability

Besides having students identify polymers, this lab activity can be used as an enrichment unit on density. Students use specially designed trays to identify recyclable plastics by determining their relative density. They also test the flammability of the plastics and their physical characteristics. Students attempt to identify unknown plastics using the information they have collected. Then, using patented Lab-Aids® molecular model components, students construct each repeat unit (the continuous molecule that makes up the larger polymer or plastic) in the polymer structure. This dramatic, motivating Lab-Aids® contains enough material for 16 lab groups composed of 2-student teams.

Details at a Glance

  • 1-2 Days | 1-2 ~50 minute class periods
  • 2 Activities
  • Accommodates 1 class, with 16 groups of 2 students
  • Consumables service 32 students
  • Meets our criteria for supporting literacy
  • Requires a water source

Complete Kit Equipment Package

Recyclable Plastics: Identification Using Relative Density and Flammability
#704
$324.40

Need to Extend Your Kit Materials?

Scientific Concepts

  • Use density to identify recyclable plastics
  • Explore physical properties and flammability of plastics
  • Use data to identify unknown plastics
  • Build a continuous unit that makes up the large polymer

Guides & Student Sheets

Our kits and modules provide you with everything you need so you can open, review, and teach the material confidently the next day.

  • Full downloadable Teacher Guide with background information, detailed instruction, example data and answers
  • Downloadable Student Sheets with age appropriate background information, full procedure(s), and analysis questions
  • All materials necessary to carry out the investigation
  • Safety Data Sheets

Kit Components

  • 1 Teacher’s Guide with MSDS
  • 32 Student Worksheets and Guides
  • 8 Candles in holders
  • 80 Containers and lids
  • 8 Copper wires
  • 8 Density trays
  • 8 Forceps
  • 10 Stock Density solutions ranging from 0.81 - 1.26
  • 16 Unknown plastics strips, pkgs: orange, colorless, and black
  • 8 Resin pkgs: PETE (PET), HDPE PVC(V), PP, LDPE and PS
  • 16 Plastics strip pkgs: PETE (PET), HDPE PVC(V), PP, LDPE, and PS
  • 8 Molecular model component pkgs containing: 4 Oxygen (blue atom), 28 Carbon (black tetrahedral), 1 Chlorine (green atom), 62 Covalent bonds (white tubes), 24 Hydrogen (white atom)

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