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In this hands-on activity, learners use heat to shrink samples of polystyrene plastic (#6 recycle code). Learners compare the size and shape of the plastic pieces before and after shrinking. They also compare the differences in the way the two plastics items, a tray and a cup, shrink. Due to the way they are manufactured, the cup only shrinks in one dimension, while the tray shrinks in two dimensions - find out why! Activity requires adult supervision if used with younger learners, due to use of hot plate. A great introduction to industrial chemistry.
- 30 to 45 minutes
- Under 5 minutes
- 1 cent - $1 per group of students
- Ages 6 - adult
- Activity, Demonstration, Experiment/Lab Activity
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- hot plate
- small nonstick frying pan
- small bowl (cereal bowl size)
- spatula
- 1000-mL plastic beaker
- (2) 250-mL plastic beakers
- (optional) dry erase board and marker can replace two following materials
- sharpened pencils
- (100) scrap paper, cut 2
- (20) plastic cups with #6 recycle code
- (20) plastic take-out trays with #6 recycle code
- clock
Subjects
-
Engineering and Technology
-
Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
-
Engineering
-
Physical Sciences
-
Chemistry
- Chemical Bonding
-
States of Matter
- Solids
-
Chemistry
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- read
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
Rights:
- All rights reserved, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, 1997
Funding Source:
- National Science Foundation, 9355628