B2
Plastics and Natural Polymers
A cross-disciplinary Y7 application topic; later content can connect it to Y9 polymers and ecosystems.
How can we design materials that solve problems without creating new ones?
Plastic is a materials problem as well as a chemistry and biology problem: structure, use, decomposition and ecosystems are connected.
Where this mattersmicroplasticsmedical materialscircular economy
Spiral links
This topic builds on and feeds forward to:
- Y7 C1: particles, mixtures and materials
- Y9 Ecosystems and Adaptations
- Y9 IGCSE Bridge: polymers and materials
Lessons in this topic
B2.1B2.2B2.3B2.4B2.5B2.6B2.7
What are plastics?
Practical connection: Materials modelling
Making plastics
Practical connection: Milk plastic
Should we switch?
Core explanation, retrieval and Exam Practice.
How does recycling work?
Practical connection: Recycling systems
Effects on wildlife
Core explanation, retrieval and Exam Practice.
Natural polymers
Practical connection: DNA modelling
Slime investigation
Practical connection: Slime investigation