Lesson 1.10 Polymer problems

Lesson OutcomesAPP AF1,AF3,AF4

HSW 2b,2c,3a

How I did Targets

Task 1: Explain that many polymers are non-biodegradable.

Grade C

Task 2: Describe and explain some problems with disposing of polymers.

Grade B

Task 3: Explain why chemists are developing biodegradable polymers

Grade A/A*

Connector: (Grade D)

Explain how the properties of plastics are determined by their structure.

Homework

• Homework task: Use the Internet to research how local councils dispose of public waste.

• Due date:Next lesson

• Criteria for Grade C:

• Criteria for Grade B:

• Criteria for Grade A/A*:

BIG picture

• What skills will you be developing this lesson?

• Literacy• Team work• Self management• Independent enquiry • Participation• Reflection

• How is this lesson relevant to every day life? (WRL/CIT)

Keywords:

• Landfill site

• Non-biodegradable

Can you explain these key words?

Waste reduction – facts and figures

In the UK, 3.5 million tonnes of plastic packaging is thrown away each year!

There are three ways to dispose of waste plastics:

Each method of disposal has its own advantages and disadvantages.

landfill

incineration (burning)

recycling

Why has the issue of dealing with waste plastic in a cheap and environmentally-friendly way become more important?

How much waste plastic?

New Information for Task 1

How are waste plastics disposed of, and whatproblems do these methods of disposal cause?

Demonstration of the effect of concentrated sulphuric acid on polymer materials

Task 1 (Grade C)

• Task 1: • Write an explanation of the term

non- biodegradeable• Task 1: Extension

Keywords for Task 1:

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Task 1: Review

Lesson Outcomes How I did Targets

Task 1:

Grade C

Met?

Partly met?

Not met?

How can I improve on task 1?

Go back to your lesson outcome grid and fill out the ‘How I did’ and the ‘Targets’ column.

New Information for Task 2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1j1_ohun4A&feature=related

Explain how the properties of polymers make it difficult to dispose of these materials.

Practical: Attempt to sort plastic items according to their recycling symbols.

Task 2 (Grade B)

• Task 2: • Describe and explain some

problems with disposing of polymers and evaluate the different methods (create a table outlining advantages and disadvantages)

• Task 2: Extension

Keywords for Task 2:

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Task 2: Answers• Disposing of polymers• One of the useful properties of polymers is that they are unreactive, so they are

suitable for storing food and chemicals safely. Unfortunately, this property makes it difficult to dispose of polymers. They are often buried in landfill sites or incinerated - burned.

• Landfill• Waste polymers are disposed of in landfill sites. This uses up valuable land, and

suitable sites often fill up quickly.• Incineration• Polymers release a lot of heat energy when they burn. This energy can be used to

heat homes or generate electricity. But there are problems with incineration. Carbon dioxide is produced, which adds to global warming. Toxic gases are also produced, unless the polymers are incinerated at high temperatures.

• Recycling• Polymers have recycling symbols like this one for PVC to show what they are• Many polymers can be recycled. This reduces disposal problems and the amount of

crude oil used. But first the different polymers must be separated from each other. This can be difficult and expensive.

Task 2: Review

Lesson Outcomes How I did Targets

Task 2:

Grade B

Met?

Partly met?

Not met?

How can I improve on task 2?

Go back to your lesson outcome grid and fill out the ‘How I did’ and the ‘Targets’ column.

Biodegradable plastics are increasingly being used in carrier bags, bin bags and food packaging.

One of the problems with traditional plastics is that they do not break down when thrown away.

Biodegradable plastics are plastics that can be broken down. They are converted into carbon dioxide, water and minerals by micro-organisms.

Biodegradable plastics, such as polylactide, are plant-based polymers. They are often made from starch that has been

modified to become more stable.

What are biodegradable plastics?

Task 3: (Grade A/A*)

Task 3: Answers

Task 3: Review

Lesson Outcomes How I did Targets

Task 3:

Grade A/A*

Met?

Partly met?

Not met?

How can I improve on task 3?

Go back to your lesson outcome grid and fill out the ‘How I did’ and the ‘Targets’ column.

Review of lesson

Technicians’ List