Plastics - Tech-Design (40038)
To gain a better understanding of and appreciation for plastics, students first explore the history of plastics and their increasing use in manufacturing. They also discuss trends in the use of plastics and potential future applications, and learn the basic chemical compounds and various types of plastic. Hands-on experiences include producing objects with injection and vacuum molding machines.
As the module continues, students gain increasingly more detailed, scientific knowledge about plastics. For example, they learn about the chemistry of polymers and other synthetics, and how these substances are used to produce plastics. They also explore the use of plastics in electronics, environmental issues and other problems associated with plastics, and future uses of these and other synthetic materials.