GREEN PLASTICS (1 HR) Addresses NGSS Level of Difficulty: 3 Grade Range: 4-6 OVERVIEW In this activity, students will conduct an investigation to create a bioplastic as an alternative to plastics we typically use as consumers. Students will compare and contrast the properties of each. They will then research and design a method bioplastics could be used to reduce waste as an alternative to plastics used currently. Topic: Biodiversity and Humans Real-World Science Topics An evaluation of the impacts plastic have on the environment A constructed idea on how to use a natural resource to solve a problem Analyze the impact of humans on the environment Objective After completing this activity students will be able to evaluate how the use of plastics is detrimental to the environment. Students will evaluate solutions using bioplastics to solve a real world problem. NGSS Three-Dimensions Science and Engineering Practices Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions Constructing explanations and designing solutions in 6 8 builds on K 5 experiences and progresses to include constructing explanations and designing solutions supported by multiple sources of evidence consistent with scientific ideas, principles, and theories. Construct an explanation that includes qualitative or quantitative relationships between variables that predict phenomena. (MS-LS2-2) Disciplinary Core Ideas LS4.D: Biodiversity and Humans Changes in biodiversity can influence humans resources, such as food, energy, and medicines, as well as ecosystem services that humans rely on for example, water purification and recycling. (secondary to MS-LS2-5) Crosscutting Concepts Influence of Science, Engineering, and Technology on Society and the Natural World The use of technologies and any limitations on their use are driven by individual or societal needs, desires, and values; by the findings of scientific research; and by differences in such factors as climate, natural resources, and economic conditions. Thus technology use varies from region to region and over time. (MS-LS2-5) (Source: Next Generation Science Standards) 1
GREEN PLASTICS (1 HR) Background Information What is a bioplastic? Bioplastic is a material that is made from plant and animal mass or product. For example; corn, rice, oats, wheat coconut, soy, and potatoes. Bioplastics are a renewable resource. What is the difference between the terms bioplastic and biodegradable? Bioplastics are made from renewable resources of plant or animal origin. They are not always biodegradable. The term biodegradable refers to the process by which microorganisms are able to break down a material. In this process, the material can be used as a food source. What are some issues with recycling plastics? Plastics don t degrade quickly, some types taking up to 100 years to degrade. Also during the degrading process toxins can be released back into the soil making it unsuitable for future use. Plastics account for more than 5 million tons of waste dumped into the oceans each year destroying the marine habitat. What are some statistics on bioplastics vs. plastic? Bioplastics use 65% less energy than petroleum based plastics to manufacture. The amount of greenhouse gas produced by bioplastics is up to 68% less than a petroleum based plastic. Some bioplastics are non-toxic and don t harm the soil and will decompose in a short amount of time. Key Vocabulary Biodegradable decompose or break down naturally Bioplastic material made from a renewable plant resource Compostable - something made from organic waste that will decompose Non-toxic not poison Plastic materials made from petroleum products or polymers Renewable renew or use again Materials Needed for Activity Computers or printed articles from websites listed Note cards Properties worksheet Foam packing peanuts Materials made as bioplastics (packing peanuts are available that are made of cornstarch and are fairly easy to obtain) Warm surface to place packing peanut on Teacher Preparation Obtain two different types of packing peanuts foam based and cornstarch based Have all materials ready to use. 2
STEPS FOR GREEN PLASTICS 1. Warm-up Activity: Provide students with a plastic bag full of plastic items. Ask them to examine each of the items and sort them into categories. Explain that they will have to justify their reasoning for the categories they use. Have students share their reasoning. Teacher will ask the students Are the contents of the plastic bag a good representation of all the types of plastic? Have a class discussion about their experience and ideas about plastic. 2. Teacher will explain that today we will investigate the properties between a material that has been manufactured from two types of plastic. Explain to students that one will be made from a new type of plastic called bioplastic the other from polystyrene foam. Share background information with students. 3. Give students the worksheet and describe the properties listed to ensure student understanding. Provide students with samples of each type of packing peanut and examine the properties. 4. Ask students: What are some similar properties between the two packing peanuts? What are some different properties between the two packing peanuts? What would the benefits be for using one sample over another? Can you tell the difference between the packing peanut made from bioplastic and one made from foam? 5. Next, students will be asked to design a method for using bioplastics to reduce waste and conserve energy. Provide students with the resources to do some research on their own. If they work as a team, they will be able to organize their research. 6. If students struggle with the prompt, then have them consider something made from plastic that they have used or experienced in their lives. They can then focus their design ideas and research on that one item. 7. Students will use note cards to create a presentation. Students will share their presentation with the class. 8. Finally, as a class, discuss which presentation(s) best answers the question about how bioplastics could be used. Class could also compare and contrast other solutions related to the issue of plastics. Extension Activity The class could survey their school environment and the plastics that are currently being used including the cafeteria. They could devise a strategy or campaign on how to implement a more efficient method of using a more biodegradable material in their school environment. They should also include challenges that may be faced in implementing their method. 3
STEPS FOR GREEN PLASTICS Sources About Bioplastics Sustainable Plastics? Welcome Sustainable Plastics? N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Feb. 2016. Bioplastic Facts. The Green Pack Wholesale Site. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Feb. 2016. Bioplastics (PLA) World Centric. World Centric: Zero Waste Solutions World Centric. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Feb. 2016. Bioplastics and Biodegradable Plastics - How Do They Work? Explain That Stuff! Science and Technology Made Simple. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Feb. 2016. Dictionary Definitions You Can Understand YourDictionary. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Feb. 2016. Know Your Plastics Healthy Child Healthy World. Healthy Child Healthy World. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Feb. 2016. Next Generation Science Standards. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Feb. 2016. Plastic Kids Page Waste 2 Resources Washington State Department of Ecology. Washington State Department of Ecology ECY WA DOE. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Feb. 2016. The Promise And Pitfalls of Bioplastic - TIME. TIME.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Feb. 2016. What Are Bioplastics? Innovateus.net Innovation and Information for Sustainable Living. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Feb. 2016. Websites http://content.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1983894,00.html http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/swfa/kidspage/plastic.html http://www.healthychild.org/know-your-plastics/ http://www.innovateus.net/climate/what-are-bioplastics http://www.lifewithoutplastic.com/store/bioplastics#.vrecxlgrly1 4
GREEN PLASTICS STUDENT HANDOUT Name: Date: Comparing the properties of packing peanuts Bioplastics vs. Plastic Properties Sample 1 Sample 2 Texture Shape which holds the shape better under pressure Mass (weight) Flexibility snap apart/ break easily Heat place peanut on warm surface Problem: Design a method using bioplastics to reduce waste and conserve energy. Research Notes: 5