Introduction

Factors in the recycling process (example:  temperature) can vary with different types of plastic, so it is desirable to separate plastics by type (unless a mixed batch is desired).  It is not easy to know what type of plastic a product is made out of simply by looking at it.  To overcome this identification problem, the plastics industry has developed a coding system for plastic containers (food containers, detergent and shampoo bottles, etc.)  The identifying plastic code is the universal recycling symbol with a number in the center and letters underneath.  The number and letters indicate the plastic resin from which the product is made.  There are seven plastic codes.

Content Area and Grade Level

This lesson is aimed at a seventh grade learning level and designed for a science class.  This lesson can be adapted to extend to various classroom levels.

Curriculum Standards

Illinois Standards Addressed:

• Science - 13B3f, 13B3e, 13B3d
• Language Arts - 5A3a, 5A3b, 5C3c

This lesson is designed to have the students research the plastic recycling code system.  Link to Plastic By Number Worksheet.  They will demonstrate the life cycle of a plastic item in a final product.

Resources Needed

Materials will vary as per students choices in final products.  Other materials listed below:

• Classroom computers or computer lab
• Internet connection
• Web site links refer to the student page
• Printer

Background information required by students will be minimal.  A basic understanding of the terms recycle, reduce, and reuse would be helpful.  The concept of reducing solid waste and encouraging source reduction and recycling should be explained to students.

The teachers background information does not need to be extensive.  Teacher's can go on the web sites listed on the student page and read that information prior to the start of this quest.  

Evaluation

Students will be evaluated on the work they produce on the plastic by number worksheet, how they answer the four questions on the student page and their final product.  Using a rubric to evaluate the students work.
Link to worksheet rubric
Link to final product rubric
 

Conclusion
Students will obtain an overall view of the plastic recycling system.  This lesson can be duplicated by changing the theme to paper and researching web sites to connect with.  The message needs to be sent to our students that recycling is an important process in decreasing the amount of solid waste produced.  Students need to understand that America is known as "the throw away society" and learn ways to change our life style.  Together we can make a difference!

Return to District #115 Web Quest Page