Recyclable Plastics: Identification using Relative Density and Flammability

Identify and Construct Unknown Polymers

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 molecular model components, students construct each repeat unit (the continuous molecule that makes up the larger polymer or plastic) in the polymer structure.