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In this activity, learners separate materials based on their special properties to mimic the way recyclables are sorted at recycling centers. Learners observe if various objects are attracted to a magnet, are attracted to a balloon, and float on (or sink in) water. Use this activity to discuss recycling as well as magnetism, static electricity, cohesion and density.
- Under 5 minutes
- 10 to 30 minutes
- $1 - $5 per student
- Ages 6 - 11
- Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per student)
- Plastic straw
- Blunt-end scissors
- Metric ruler
- 1 latex balloon
- 1 square of aluminum foil (5 x 5 centimeters, about 2 inches square)
- 1 square of paper towel (5x5 centimeters, about 2 inches square)
- 5 metal paper clips (small ones about 3 centimeters, about 1 inch in length)
- 1 piece of windowscreening (20 x 30 centimeters, about 8 x 12 inches)
- Rectangular cake pan (about 32 x 23 x 5 centimeters or 9 x 12 inches)
Subjects
-
Engineering and Technology
-
Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
-
Engineering
-
Physical Sciences
-
Electricity and Magnetism
- Electric Charges and Currents
- Electromagnetic Fields
-
Chemistry
- Chemical Bonding
-
States of Matter
- Solids
- Liquids
-
Structure and Properties of Matter
- Atomic Structure
- Volume and Density
-
Electricity and Magnetism
-
The Nature of Science
-
The Scientific Process
- Conducting Investigations
- Gathering Data
- Formulating Explanations
- Communicating Results
-
The Scientific Process
-
The Nature of Technology
-
Technology and Society
- Technology and the Environment
-
Technology and Society
Informal Categories
- Nature and Environment
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Uses STEM to solve real-world problems
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
- Office of Community Activities, American Chemical Society
Rights:
- All rights reserved, American Chemical Society,