{"id":148,"date":"2018-07-09T22:07:28","date_gmt":"2018-07-09T22:07:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.bestinc.org\/bestology\/?p=148"},"modified":"2020-03-21T17:45:46","modified_gmt":"2020-03-21T17:45:46","slug":"week-8-the-science-behind-plastic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bestology.bestrobotics.org\/index.php\/2018\/07\/09\/week-8-the-science-behind-plastic\/","title":{"rendered":"Week 8: The Science Behind Plastic"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Science behind Plastic\u2013 Week 8<\/strong><\/p>\n

We have learned about recycling and the amount of plastic garbage in our oceans, as well as some ways to clean up this mess. Last week we took a look at how plastic is killing some of our aquatic friends, especially turtles. Let\u2019s take a step back and look at the science behind plastic and why plastic is so bad for our environment.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s take a look at how plastic is made.<\/p>\n

Watch this video<\/a> From Gas to Plastic<\/p>\n

For all you chemistry Brainiacs, this one is for you. It\u2019s also for anyone that wants to try wrapping their brain around this, but don\u2019t let the plastic hurt you.<\/p>\n

Polymers and plastics<\/a>, Chemistry 101<\/p>\n

Research:<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Now let\u2019s answer some questions. We want you to come up with the answers either by researching or discussing as a group. Write them down for later discussions.<\/p>\n

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  1. Can we live without plastic?<\/li>\n
  2. How important is plastic in our lives?<\/li>\n
  3. Is there an alternative to plastic?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Now that you have had some type of discussion, let\u2019s get a little more detailed.<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. What are the different types or categories of plastics?<\/li>\n
    2. Make a list of companies, industries, business, or any place that uses plastic. This is very open so you can be as general or as specific asyou want. Make a list of the business and what they use plastic for,<\/li>\n
    3. How are these plastics recycled?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Would you sail on this boat?\u00a0Read this article.<\/a><\/p>\n

      After reading the article maybe you have an idea on how to use recyclable plastic bottles.<\/p>\n

      Resources:<\/strong><\/h3>\n

      Science of plastics<\/a><\/p>\n

      The Dirty Dozen<\/a><\/p>\n

      Green Facts<\/a><\/p>\n

      Life without plastic<\/a><\/p>\n

      Plastic alternatives<\/a><\/p>\n

      Baby Steps<\/a><\/p>\n

      The Economics of Change<\/a><\/p>\n

      WOW! Very interesting<\/a><\/p>\n

      Friends of the Earth<\/a><\/p>\n

      BEST kit 2017<\/a><\/p>\n

      BEST Consumable Kit 2017<\/a><\/p>\n

      A Little Competition:<\/strong><\/h3>\n

      Here is how it works.<\/p>\n