Polymer properties and problems
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can relate the uses of certain polymers to their properties and describe methods of reducing the problems associated with polymers.
Key learning points
- The uses of polymers are related to their properties.
- There are many problems associated with polymers (e.g. availability of raw materials, landfill, combustion).
- There are many advantages and disadvantages to recycling polymers (e.g. economical and environmental).
Keywords
Properties - Properties are features or characteristics of a substance that can be used to classify it, or describe how it behaves.
Landfill - Landfill is a waste disposal site. At landfill sites the waste is buried between layers of soil and other unreactive material.
Combustion - Combustion is an exothermic reaction where a substance reacts with oxygen.
Recycling - Recycling is a process that involves turning waste material into new products.
Raw materials - The starting materials used to make products are known as the raw materials. Wood, metal and crude oil are examples of raw materials.
Common misconception
Thinking that the polymer identification codes mean that all these polymers can be recycled as the symbols look similar to the recycling symbol.
Only some polymers can be recycled. These normally have the code 1 or 2.
Teacher tip
Have a selection of different polymer products so students can see they have different properties and uses.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.A solution contained the hazard symbol shown in the image. What does this hazard symbol mean?
Q2.What are the products from the complete combustion of ethene?
Q3.Which of the following are physical properties of a plastic carrier bag?
Q4.How could we dispose of plastic polymer waste?
Q5.Which of the following are examples of raw materials?
Q6.Which of the following are disadvantages of landfill?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Poly(propene) is strong and flexible which makes it suitable for use in which item?
Q2.What is the name of the process that involves turning waste material into new products?
Q3.Which of the following are advantages of disposing of polymer waste by incineration?
Q4.What is a problem of incinerating a polymer that contains chlorine atoms?
Q5.Which of the following statements about the raw material crude oil are true?
Q6.Which of the following are costs associated with recycling waste polymers?
To help you plan your 11 chemistry lesson on: Polymer properties and problems, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 chemistry lesson on: Polymer properties and problems, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 chemistry lessons from the Organic chemistry unit, dive into the full secondary chemistry curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.