Packing materials are often made from petrochemical by-products. Degradable packing materials conserve energy and landfill space. Students record observations on all five pieces.
Students discover that one piece is different from the others.
All foam plastic pieces degrade in the same manner. Packing pieces are not edible. Divide the class into groups of four and assign roles. Students observe and record properties of the packing pieces. Encourage activities to promote careful observations of varied properties.