Optional Lesson: You Can Do Anything With Duct Tape

Suggested Time: 60 minutes
Overview
Students will pick major construction projects to test the saying “You can do anything with duct tape.” Working in teams, students will build and test objects, then decide whether the saying is true or false. Finally, they will see examples of amazing things that have been built or done with duct tape, and consider the physical and chemical properties of this versatile adhesive.
Vocabulary
Objectives
Next Generation Science Standards
Required Project Materials
Multimedia Resources
Optional Multimedia Resources
Before the Lesson/ Background Information
The Lesson
Part 1: Introduction (5 mins)
  1. This is an excellent outdoor activity. If possible, teach the class in an outdoor location.
  2. Ask the students to think of wacky things duct tape can do as well as things it can’t do.
  3. Separate the class into three teams. Let them know that they are all stranded on an island with no other land in sight and they have to come up with ways to survive.
Part 2: Duct Tape Designers (30 mins)
  1. Give each team a different object to design, such as: a small boat that can carry an object and float; a small shelter or piece of furniture; and clothing. These items should be models. In other words, they will be smaller than the actual item would be, but have the same shape and properties as a life-size item.
  2. Each team should spend a few minutes planning how they are going to build the item and assign tasks to team members.
  3. Teams may use other materials in their constructions to provide solid structure, but duct tape must be a key element of the item.
Part 3: Duct Tape Trial (25 mins)
  1. Now it’s time to test the wonders of duct tape! Have the student teams test each other’s objects. Those testing the boat model should try to float it on water, then add objects to see how much weight it can hold. The structure or furniture builders should also test their models with weight and forces resembling the elements. Clothing should be tested for durability. Let the students have fun with this part, but instruct them to be fair to each other’s objects…
  2. Use the articles to discuss the properties of duct tape, including how it’s made. Interactively, work with the students to identify the important physical properties of duct tape.
  3. Ask the students to identify the natural resources that are used to make duct tape. Introduce students to the rubber tree using the student-made video, “The Elastic Tree”, and information from the Rainforest Action Network. Make sure and work with the students to identify locations on the world map where rubber is produced.
Homework Due Next Class
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