DATE:
DTOPIC
ATE:
2.1
DATE:
NAME:
NAME:
Investigation 2-A: Is It Worth It?
NAME:
CLASS:
CLASS2.1-5
:
BLM
CLASS:
Question: What is the environmental impact of the production, use, and disposal of a synthetic product?
Possible products could include:
 a plastic product (such as a plastic water bottle)
 an electronics product (such as a smartphone)
 a synthetic fabric (such as clothing)
1. What common synthetic product did you choose to investigate? What interested you about this
particular product?
2. Did you complete each of the folowing? (Check all that were done.)
 Its uses and the positive and negative contributions it makes to society
 The technology and materials used to design and create it and the effects of the manufacturing
processes (Is the extraction of raw materials required? Is there an environmental impact from that?
Does processing of raw materials require large amounts of energy or other resources, such as
water? Is it manufactured in a manner and place that supports workplace safety, equality, and
healthy conditions?)
 Its expected lifetime (Has it been designed to be replaced often? to last for years?)
 How it is discarded and whether it is biodegradable (Does it go to landfill? Does toxic waste result
from its disposal?)
 What recycling programs or “green” alternative products are available
 Answers to two questions about it that your group decides to investigate
 Teacher approval to begin investigation
3. Describe the positive contributions that the product makes.
BC Science Connections 10 Blackline Master
© 2018
DATE:
DTOPIC
ATE:
2.1
DATE:
NAME:
NAME:
Investigation 2-A: Is It Worth It?
NAME:
CLASS:
CLASS2.1-5
:
BLM
CLASS:
4. Describe the negative effects that the product has on the environment.
5. What format will you use to share your findings and analysis with the class? Possibilities include a
video documentary, social media website, or blog. Your presentation should include an answer to the
question, “Is it worth it?”
BC Science Connections 10 Blackline Master
© 2018