Objective

The "White magic" kit puts children in the position of researchers.

During the scientific missions which are entrusted to them, the children will also understand the usefulness of a lightweight packaging material, expanded polystyrene.

Its specific properties of an insulator for heat and cold and against impacts are discovered, as well as the changes in state of the material and recycling.
The young researchers will deal with the appeal of recycling the material via the following topics:

(Expanded polystyrene is used in the field of packaging, insulation in the construction industry, as well as in transport of organs and in keeping fish fresh).

Content
• 1 teacher's booklet;
• "My scientific adventure notebook" on laminated sheets for photocopying ;
• 1 DVD about EPS (*);
• 5 plastic tubes with caps;
• 4 plates;
• 4 wooden spatulas;
• 4 balloons;
• 4 tray-shaped moulds;
• 4 cuboid moulds;
• 4 small metal sheets for "tray" mould;
• 8 metal sheets for cuboid moulds;
• 4 clamps;
• 1 polystyrene mini-helmet;
• 2 sheets 150 x 150 mm (one made of EPS, the other of metal);
• 2 rags;
• 1 bottle of limonene;
• 2 boxes of petri dishes;
• 1 pipette;
• 1 glass beaker.


Equipment that must be acquired.

An electric hotplate.

Equipment to acquire (optional)

Note : It is possible to do without the following 3 items of equipment, and carry out the operations cheaper, but it takes longer.
• 1 steam pressure cooker;
• 1 table mincer;
• 1 table vacuum cleaner.

(*) official acronym for expanded polystyrene.



How to deal with the course in class?

In 2005, we decided to launch a pilot scheme.
With the agreement of the Education Cabinet of the French-speaking Community, we are testing this product in 4 schools before making it available to everyone.
We can travel to the classroom if schools request it in writing.
We intend to train primary school teachers via the courses of the Institute of Mid-Career Training via the site www.ifc.cfwb.be .
After training, the establishments will be able to buy the "White magic" attaché case.


2.B. White tornado or recycling put into practice in my school, after having tested the "white magic".

The white tornado allows students to put the theory into practice.
Studying science in class is great. But being able to exploit our know-how where we live is even better, isn't it?
In their home area, students collect polystyrene packaging that they bring back to school.
A 2 m³ sack enables them to collect everything, measure and weigh it.
The collected waste is taken back and recycled.
Students discover the importance of packaging for domestic electrical appliances and the reality of recycling this packaging after having become familiar with the recycling qualities of polystyrene.
A practical operation to increase respect for the environment, which calls for students to be very careful about selective sorting (see photos).
Isn't that worth a report + photo in our local newspaper ?

(The collection and the resources made available for recycling are implemented by the industrial sectoral funds).

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>>> Pre-expand, inflate, mould, grind, recycle mechanically and chemically; Check the insulation properties against heat or cold and impacts ...