How Can We Recycle Old Tires? – Using Chemistry to Clean
Grade 11 Environmental Science
SVN3M
Activity Big Ideas:
 Old tires present a serious environmental hazard
 The atomic structure and chemical properties of the components of tires can be
taken advantage of to make them recyclable
 Scientific solutions are imperative to help solve environmental problems
Ministry Expectations
 A1.1 formulate relevant scientific questions about observed relationships, ideas,
problems, or issues, make informed predictions, and/or formulate educated
hypotheses to focus inquiries or research
 A1.10 draw conclusions based on inquiry results and research findings and justify
their conclusions with reference to scientific knowledge
 B1.1 Analyse on the basis of research, social and economic issues related to a
particular environmental challenge and to efforts to address it
 B2.3 investigate, through research or using case studies or computer simulation,
how scientific knowledge and procedures are applied to address a particular
contemporary environmental issue
 B3.2 describe how scientists use a variety of processes to solve problems and
answer questions related to the environment
 B3.5 describe a variety of human activities that have led to environmnental
problems and/or contributed to their solutions
Learning Goals
By the end of the activity, students will understand:
 The environmental consequence of unrecycled tires
 How chemical reactions can be used to break down the components of tires into
recyclable products
 How chemistry can be used to make our environment cleaner and safer
 How human production can negatively and positively affect the environment
Prior Knowledge
Students must have a basic understanding of
 Chemical bonding
 Physical properties of substance
 Environmental consequences of pollution
Technology
Class set of computers
WISE Activity: “How Can We Recycle Old Tires”
21st Century Skills
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http://wise.berkeley.edu/previewproject.html?projectId=626 
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Communication
Productivity &
Accountability
Critical Thinking &
Problem Solving
Initiative & SelfDirection
Description: This WISE activity is a great investigative tool that will help develop
scientific inquiry skills in students. It is designed to take place over several classes
and teachers should prepare for 4.5 hours of class time. It is also recommended that
teachers make available some of the components of the activity for students to
observe such as an old tire, steel can and ceramic mug. In this activity, students
investigate how to recycle old tires by comparing tires to commonly recycled
materials. Students examine the relationships among chemical composition, atomic
arrangements, bonding, and physical properties of substances.
The WISE platform provides the instructions and guidance for students throughout
this activity, teachers should circulate throughout the room and check in on groups
throughout to help them progress and to address any questions and misconceptions
students may have.
STSE: This activity is a great opportunity to introduce and discuss STSE issues as
they relate to chemistry. Class discussions on the importance of recycling tires or
similar hazardous products or debates on the merits of tire disposal vs. recycling are
encouraged. Following this activity the teacher could create an assignment where
students are tasked with designing newer, more environmentally friendly tires for a
futuristic car.