Plastics in the Curriculum

A comprehensive introduction to polymers including their history, manufacturing techniques, uses and future outlook.
This area of our website has been to developed to meet the needs of teachers and students. We welcome your comments and ideas for the future development of the site. Emails to: info@plastics.org.nz.

Make sure you also check out the following sections of our website for additional information


Doing a Unit on Recycling?

Check out the recycling section of this site as well as the Recycling Unit here which provides project ideas.


Students - Need to Learn About Plastics?

www.plasticseurope.org is the Association of Plastics Manufacturers in Europe (APME). They have a fantastic site that is packed with interactive discovery tours, plastic facts, technical information and reports. This is a great place for students to research for international and technical plastics information.


Plastic Myths

Separate the science from the myth. http://www.plasticsmythbuster.org provides information on the latest plastic myths and hoaxes.


Want Plastic Games & Activities?

Check out the Nobel Prize web site for a cool new game and information to help you learn about plastics :

http://nobelprize.org/educational_games/chemistry/plastics/

or visit www.handsonplastics.com for some cool online activities.


Teachers - Want to do a Unit on Plastic Packaging?

We recommend the PAC-IT Education Resource: An Introduction into Packaging in New Zealand. This is a resource to help teachers understand and teach the ideas and principles behind packaging. Go to www.pac-it.org.nz to order.
 

Science, Maths & Technology Teachers - Need More for Your Lessons?

www.handsonplastics.com is an award winning American plastic educational site that goes into much more depth on the molecular structure and performance of plastics. The site includes lesson plans and industrial lab tests - with animated lab media walk-throughs to show you how.

We also recommend "Know Your Plastics" published by the Plastics and Chemicals Industries Association of Australia www.pacia.org.au. Copies can be ordered from Plastics New Zealand.

In 2001 Plastics New Zealand surveyed 160 New Zealand Schools to find out what they wanted. The answer came back loud and clear - more information on plastic in New Zealand and more information on New Zealand plastic recycling - so www.plastics.org.nz has been redesigned to provide more of this. We welcome your feedback email - info@plastics.org.nz.