Styrofoam

Styrofoam is a trademarked brand of closed-cell extruded polystyrene foam (XPS), commonly used as an insulating and cushioning material. It is lightweight, durable, and has excellent thermal insulation properties.

Composition of Styrofoam

Styrofoam is composed of approximately 95% air and 5% polystyrene. The polystyrene is a synthetic aromatic polymer made from the monomer styrene.

Properties of Styrofoam

Lightweight
Thermal insulator
Water-resistant
Durable
Chemically inert

Uses of Styrofoam

Styrofoam is commonly used in the following applications:

Insulation in construction
Food packaging
Cushioning material in packaging
Disposable cups and plates
Arts and crafts

Environmental Impact of Styrofoam

Styrofoam is non-biodegradable and can persist in the environment for hundreds of years. It is also a major source of marine pollution. Due to its environmental impact, there is a growing concern about the use of Styrofoam and efforts to find alternative materials.

Study Guide Questions

What is the composition of Styrofoam?
What are the properties of Styrofoam?
Provide examples of the uses of Styrofoam.
Discuss the environmental impact of Styrofoam.

◂Earth Science Worksheets and Study Guides High School. Rocks I

Vocabulary/Answer key

Rocks I

Vocabulary/Answer key

Rocks I

Vocabulary/Answer key

Rocks I

The resources above cover the following skills:

EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE

Earth’s Systems

Construct an explanation from evidence for the processes that generate the transformation of rocks in Earth’s crust, including chemical composition of minerals and characteristics of sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Earth and Human Activity

Engage in argument from evidence to defend how coastal, marine, and freshwater sources (e.g., estuaries, marshes, tidal pools, wetlands, beaches, inlets, rivers, lakes, oceans, coral reefs) support biodiversity, economic stability, and human recreation.