Recyclable Plastics: Identification Using Relative Density and Flammability
kit #704
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.
- 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
Content List in Recyclable Plastics: Identification Using Relative Density and Flammability is as follows:
| Quantity | Description |
|---|---|
| 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) |
- Number of students
- 32
- Number of groups
- Maximum 8 groups per period
To complete this kit requires one to two ~50-minute class periods.
