1. Presentation for Middle School Teacher Workshop
Corn Plastic
Presentation for Middle School Teacher Workshop

2. Goals for today Complete Corn Plastic lab
Actually do the lab and get comfortable with the procedure and materials.
Learn the different ways this lab can be differentiated
Be willing to ask questions
Share your knowledge with others and support each other
Discover how this lab can fit into your existing classroom curriculum.

3. Why I Love this Lab! Very inexpensive
This lab can be done with no “science equipment”
Nothing to order
Everything can be found at your local Wal-Mart store
Easy setup
Easy cleanup
Can be done in one lab period
Can easily be differentiated up or down depending on your students

4. Plastic
Plastic is material consisting of any of a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic organic compounds that are malleable and so can be molded into solid objects.
Plastics are typically organic polymers of high molecular mass and often contain other substances. They are usually synthetic, most commonly derived from petrochemicals, however, the can be made from renewable materials such as corn or cellulose from cotton.

5. Products Made From Corn
These products, and many more, are made from corn
The goal is to make a plastic out of a renewable resource that will biodegrade of time

6. Materials Cornstarch Corn Oil Water Glycerin Vinegar Rubber spatula
Bowls
Hot Plate

7. Procedure Mix in glass bowl
4 Tbsp water
1/2 Tbsp glycerol
1 Tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp of vinigar
Stir and Heat on medium till the mixture becomes clear.

8. Chemistry
Glycerin – Plasticizer that links the polymer chains together and allows them to slide past each other (can be replaced with sugar)
Vinegar – helps dissolve the corn starch because it dissolves better with charged ions (can be replaced with salt)

9. Questions How does this fit into your classroom?
What are some ways you can modify this lesson?