Rationale

Teaching with inquiry can be defined as giving: "students ample opportunities to apply the reasoning and procedural skills of scientists while learning the principles and concepts of science along the way." Typically teachers use activities as a way to introduce students to new concepts. This exercise is designed to lead teachers in a series of observations to discover the physical and chemical characteristics of polymers. Once the teacher feels comfortable with this activity, he/she can guide his/her own students through the same process and allow them to become more independent and actively involved in their own learning processes. Also this activity can lead to lessons on recycling and recyclable materials.