HEADING

Helen Huang-Hobbs
Chemistry 10th grade
Plastics and People - Materials in our everyday lives

51 minutes

OVERVIEW/ RATIONALE
Students have done a little connected chemistry work where they have looked at the issues of
water cleanliness, and food additives. Today we will look at chemical process of polymerization,
a technique used to make plastics. Plastics are ubiquitous in modern life and students will learn of
the pros and cons of using plastics in daily life.
ENDURING UNDERSTANDINGS
Chemical reactions occur in our lives every day.
Changes occur during chemical reactions and are quantifiable.
Chemical reactions can create compounds that have detrimental effects on the environment.
Manmade compounds are essential for modern life.
GOALS/OBJECTIVES
Students will be able to:
Identify polymers in their everyday lives
Students will understand:
The impact of man-made products on our environment
Polymerization reactions are used in industrial and biological processes
Students will know:
Vocab: polymer, monomer, plastics, synthetic,
STANDARDS
3.2.C.A4 Predict how combinations of substances can result in physical and/or chemical changes.
Interpret and apply the laws of conservation of mass, constant composition (definite proportions),
and multiple proportions.
Balance chemical equations by applying the laws of conservation of mass.
Classify chemical reactions as synthesis (combination), decomposition, single displacement
(replacement), double displacement, and combustion.
Use stoichiometry to predict quantitative relationships in a chemical reaction.
MATERIALS
Powerpoint on Polymers
Video about tap water versus bottled
Elmers Glue
Borax
PROCEDURES
OPENER (8 minutes )
Students will brainstorm together plastics we use in our daily life
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Students will be asked how we use these plastics (containers for eating, drinking, shoes, clothes,
& more)
Ask who has heard of the environmental impact of our use of plastics & discuss what they know
and believe about plastics in our environment
BODY OF THE LESSON (25 minutes & 15min)
Together we will watch the short film about the tap versus bottled water debate. Since we have
already discussed water quality together as a class I expect students to have a relatively solid
understanding of the issues that exist with regulating water quality. During the video we will
pause to discuss the video. (15 min)
We will work through the slideshow discussing the role of plastics. I will introduce a bit of the
chemistry behind the process (polymerization events). We will discuss cross-linking together, and
the reasons why people are looking for green alternatives to traditional petrochemical based
plastics. (10 min)
-----------We will do a cross-linking reaction between common white glue and borax. Students will make
observations about the changes in properties that they see of the substance. (15 min)
CLOSER (3 minutes)
Students will clean up their stations and discuss in small groups their findings. I will introduce the
idea of learning more about materials and their impact on the environment. Students will conduct
a weekend homework research project looking at green initiatives by companies and scientists.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Students will be given printed versions of the slides as necessary. (ELL, Visual issues, Literacy
issues).
An outline of the class will be posted with objectives for students to refer to during class.
Links to the presentation and video and assignments will be shared online for those needing at
home reinforcement of material.
Directions will be written on paper, given verbally, and displayed on the SmartBoard during class.
ASSESSMENT/EVALUATION
Students will be asked to research ways that companies or scientists are trying out green
initiatives especially in the form of consumables (weekend HW). Students will make a small
poster of their findings and we will do a gallery walk to look at what ways they have found that
will reduce environmental impact.

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