Milli's Super Sorting Challenge

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In this activity, learners separate materials based on their special properties to mimic the way recyclables are sorted at recycling centers. Learners observe if various objects are attracted to a magnet, are attracted to a balloon, and float on (or sink in) water. Use this activity to discuss recycling as well as magnetism, static electricity, cohesion and density.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per student
Age Range:
Ages 6 - 11
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • Plastic straw
  • Blunt-end scissors
  • Metric ruler
  • 1 latex balloon
  • 1 square of aluminum foil (5 x 5 centimeters, about 2 inches square)
  • 1 square of paper towel (5x5 centimeters, about 2 inches square)
  • 5 metal paper clips (small ones about 3 centimeters, about 1 inch in length)
  • 1 piece of windowscreening (20 x 30 centimeters, about 8 x 12 inches)
  • Rectangular cake pan (about 32 x 23 x 5 centimeters or 9 x 12 inches)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Environmental Engineering
      • Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
  • Physical Sciences
    • Electricity and Magnetism
      • Electric Charges and Currents
      • Electromagnetic Fields
    • Chemistry
      • Chemical Bonding
    • States of Matter
      • Solids
      • Liquids
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Atomic Structure
      • Volume and Density
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data
      • Formulating Explanations
      • Communicating Results
  • The Nature of Technology
    • Technology and Society
      • Technology and the Environment

Informal Categories

  • Nature and Environment

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Uses STEM to solve real-world problems
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Office of Community Activities, American Chemical Society

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, American Chemical Society,