While plastic has many benefits, its disposal and environmental impact have become significant concerns. Plastic waste can take hundreds of years to decompose, leading to pollution of land and water. Efforts are being made to reduce plastic use, increase recycling, and develop biodegradable alternatives.
Study Guide
Key Concepts
What are the properties of plastic?
Name and describe at least three types of plastic.
What are the environmental concerns associated with plastic?
Physics: Students will use scientific skills and processes to explain the interactions of matter and energy and the energy transformations that occur.
Thermodynamics: Identify and explain that heat energy is a product of the conversion of one form of energy to another.
Identify and describe the various forms of energy that are transformed in order for systems (living and non-living) to operate: Chemical - Flashlight-Light; Mechanical - Pulleys-Motion; Solar/Radiant - Solar calculator; Chemical - Plant cells.