In this activity facilitators will need to gather polymers from various food containers, recycling codes 1 through 6. Cut each type into small pieces and place in separate containers.

Facilitators will need the following reagents: distilled water, ethanol, acetone, 3.0 M sulfuric acid, ethyl acetate, 3.0 M sodium hydroxide, 2.5 M nitric acid, mineral oil, and 3.0 M sodium chloride.

Potassium carbonate, sodium chloride, and distilled water.

Electronic balances or else use large pieces of polymers and manual balances to determine their densities.

Alcohol lamps or candles.

Beakers or small containers to hold reagents.

Bunsen burner