LLESSON DESCRIPTION:
Students learn about how plastics are made and a unique feature of some plastic molecules called polystyrene. Students get to observe how, when heated, polystyrene wiggles, contorts and then shrinks to a fraction of its original size. Each student gets to make several “Shrinky Dinks”.

TIME REQUIRED: 30-60 Minutes

OBJECTIVES:
This lesson teaches students about how some plastics are made and their common properties. Students learn that when some plastics are processed, they have a memory of their original shape; and when heated, the plastics will revert to their original shape.

FACILITIES REQUIREMENTS:
This experiment requires access to electric power. Students will use permanent markers which can stain table tops. This experiment will create a moderate amount of plastic smell which is nontoxic.

SAFETY:
Tell the students that the oven you are using is a special one that is only used for this experiment and that the plastic will not shrink in microwave ovens. This experiment is not to be done at home because the plastic residue in the oven will make the food taste and smell bad.

CALIFORNIA SCIENCE STANDARDS ALIGNMENT

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