Lab-Aids: Recyclable Plastics - Identification Using Relative Density and Flammability Kit
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.
Content List:
- 8 density trays
- 80 containers and lids
- 16 strips of the following plastics: PETE (PET), HDPE, PVC (V), PP, LDPE, PS (clear, red, green, blue, colorless (translucent) yellow strips, respectively)
- 8 pkg of PETE (PET), HDPE, PVC (V), PP, LDPE, AND PS resins
- 16 pkg of 3 unknown plastics (orange, colorless, black strips)
- 10 Stock Density solutions ranging from 0.81-1.26
- 8 Metal tweezers
- 8 Candles in holders
- 8 Copper wires
- 8 pkgs molecular model components each containing: 28 Carbon (black tetrahedral), 24 Hydrogen (white atom), 4 Oxygen (blue atom), 1 Chlorine (green atom), 62 Covalent bonds (white tubes)
- 1 Teacher„¢s Guide
- 1 Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) packet
Classroom Planning:
- 32 students
- To complete this kit requires one to two ~50-minute class periods.
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