Many of the products we buy today are made from, or contain, plastic. Imagine how headphones or computers might look without plastics.
This activity will allow your club to explore how to make plastics, and experiment with different ideas for applications. This session needs two club slots which are a week or more apart. Following the extras will create a longer project.
Plastic is traditionally made from crude oil, which is a non-renewable fossil fuel. Oil is also a ready made fuel which is cheap to convert into energy, but when burnt gives off atmospheric pollutants, including greenhouse gases, and we only have a limited supply.
Although we are increasing how much plastic we recycle, we need to look for alternative raw materials for making new plastics so that we do not waste the oil we have left, and to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases we release into the atmosphere.
Students will make a small amount of plastic. They need to think about what they are going to use it for, by designing a basic idea for a plastic, engineered product that has a short lifespan. For example, your group could design a seasonal decoration.
... thinking about how to manufacture and use plastics and plastic products. This is a good example of engineering being useful for our lives.
Materials and polymer engineers develop new products and improve upon existing ones. Have a look at related university courses at www.ucas.com. Entry requirements include A-Levels, Advanced Diplomas and Scottish Advanced Highers.
Related fields: Chemical engineering
Process Technology Apprenticeships (www.apprenticeships.org.uk) provide training for a range of skilled occupations in the chemical, pharmaceutical, petro-chemical (oil) manufacturing and refining industries. These industries produce many of life’s necessities. The chemicals and pharmaceuticals industry makes products like pharmaceuticals, soaps and toiletries, while the petroleum refining industry is responsible for turning crude oil into fuels and lubricants.
In Scotland visit www.apprenticeshipsinscotland.com and in Wales wales.gov.uk/apprenticeships
Resources
Creating captivating cornflour invites pupils to discover the properties of this curious material in a fun, but often messy activity.
Engineering enables: running blades explores the forces in moving systems and materials, in the context of designing a prosthetic limb
The right switch: discover Quantum Tunnelling Composite and technical textiles. As we invest in more mobile technology, we run the risk of bulging pockets and heavy handbags. This activity looks at finding a solution to this problem.
Moving house: investigating earthquakes and building materials. Did you know that buildings move? What happens to buildings in an earthquake or strong wind?
How is food packaged? Introducing thermochromatic paints and their application.
Smart muscle
Introducing ideas about keeping materials and tools cool in space.
As we try to use more renewable sources of energy and reduce our use of fossil fuels, it is important to ensure that electricity gets to us in an easy but efficient way
Cycling grows in importance as we look towards sustainable transport to save energy.
Explore the role of STEM in how we hear sounds, record and play back music
Learn how sensor systems (motes) can be used to monitor the environment outside an aircraft.
This resource is designed to help students learn about the STEM involved in designing and making their own hovercraft.
Making waves explores how engineers have applied their knowledge of waves to make life better.
This equation impacts our lives in many areas, from computing to the shape of a football.
A STEM learning and teaching resource that shows how engineers have applied their knowledge to improve the security of the internet.
Explore a variety of magical maths activities, from multiplication tips to card tricks.
Are we connected? is a STEM teaching and learning resource that explores engineering through the technology we communicate and connect with.