Science of Materials Archives

Plastic Worksheets

20 July 2021/in Materials Link, Plastic, Science of Materials, Teaching Resources/by Lucy Mottram

The science of materials is the basis of much recycling knowledge and helps scientists work out how to recycle stuff better. Many of the sorting machines used to separate out recycling rely on scientific principles; for example, some plastics are separated using floating and sinking machines.

Most plastic can be recycled everywhere in Devon. Plastic bottles, tubs and pots are recycled in kerbside collections (see our District Recycling Sheets). Hard plastics like toys and plastic outdoor chairs can be recycled at Household Waste Recycling Centres. Find your nearest one on our main Recycling website.

The worksheets on this page will help young people understand the science of the material called plastic. We hope doing these activities will create better scientists and more critical thinkers. We know the wicked problems (complex and difficult issues like climate change and biodiversity loss) we are leaving the next generation will need some innovative thinking to solve them!

Person in blue plastic gloves holding a piece of clear plastic with background of scientific looking machine

Downloadable Worksheets

Visit our Home Education pages for more Activities suitable for Home Learning.

Plastic Worksheets: Home Activity

20 July 2021/in Home, Home Education, Materials Link, Plastic, Reduce, Science of Materials, Teaching Resources/by Lucy Mottram

Downloadable Worksheets

Home Education Worksheet: Comparing the Strength of Plastic Bags

(pdf) Download Home Education Worksheet: Comparing the Strength of Plastic Bags

(Word) Download Home Education Worksheet: Comparing the Strength of Plastic Bags

Visit our Home Education pages for more Activities suitable for Home Learning.

Plastic Worksheets KS3-4

16 July 2021/in KS3, KS4, Materials Link, Plastic, Science of Materials, Subject Link, Teaching Resources/by Lucy Mottram

This activity will help KS3 and KS4 children to understand some of the properties of plastic as a material and the impacts on the environment. It links with the National Curriculum and is a fun and active way of teaching science.

Downloadable Worksheets

Key Stage 3/4 Worksheet:

(pdf) Download KS3/4 Worksheet: Experiments in Floating and Sinking

(Word) Download KS3/4 Worksheet: Experiments in Floating and Sinking

(PowerPoint) Download KS3/4 Powerpoint: Experiments in Floating and Sinking

Link to KS3/4 Zone Youtube Playlist about Floating and Sinking

Plastic Worksheets KS2

16 July 2021/in KS2, Materials Link, Plastic, Science, Science of Materials, Teaching Resources, Y3, Y3, Y4, Y4, Y5, Y5, Y6, Y6/by Lucy Mottram

This activity will help KS2 children to understand some of the properties of plastic as a material and the impacts on the environment. It links with the National Curriculum and is a fun and active way of teaching science.

Downloadable Worksheets

Key Stage 2 Worksheet: Comparing Straws

(pdf) Download KS2 Worksheet: Comparing Straws

(Word) Download KS2 Worksheet: Comparing Straws

(Word) Download KS2 Recording Sheet: Comparing Straws

Link to KS2 Plastics Zone Schools Playlist

Plastic Worksheets KS1

16 July 2021/in KS1, Materials Link, Plastic, Science of Materials, Teaching Resources, Y1, Y2/by Lucy Mottram

This activity will help KS1 children (aged 5-7) to understand some of the properties of plastic as a material. It links with the National Curriculum and is a fun and active way of teaching science.

Downloadable Worksheets

Key Stage 1 Worksheet: Properties of plastic

(pdf) Download KS1 Worksheet: Properties of plastic

(Word) Download KS1 Worksheet: Properties of plastic

Link to KS1 Properties of Plastic Zone YouTube Playlist

Glass Worksheets KS1

16 July 2021/in All, Glass, KS1, Reduce, Science, Science of Materials, Subject Link, Y1, Y2/by Lucy Mottram

Downloadable Worksheets

Key Stage 1 Worksheet:

(PDF) Download KS1 Worksheet: Making Glass Music

(Word) Download KS1 Worksheet: Making Glass Music

Link to KS1 Youtube Playlist about making music with glass

Plastic Worksheets

15 February 2021/in Materials Link, Plastic, Science of Materials, Teaching Resources/by Lucy Mottram

The science of materials is the basis of much recycling knowledge and helps scientists work out how to recycle stuff better. Many of the sorting machines used to separate out recycling rely on scientific principles; for example, some plastics are separated using floating and sinking machines.

Most plastic can be recycled everywhere in Devon. Plastic bottles, tubs and pots are recycled in kerbside collections (see our District Recycling Sheets). Hard plastics like toys and plastic outdoor chairs can be recycled at Household Waste Recycling Centres. Find your nearest one on our main Recycling website.

The worksheets on this page will help young people understand the science of the material called plastic. We hope doing these activities will create better scientists and more critical thinkers. We know the wicked problems (complex and difficult issues like climate change and biodiversity loss) we are leaving the next generation will need some innovative thinking to solve them!

Quizzes coming soon!