thinkcans.com

The Recycling Loop has been developed to illustrate the life cycle of an aluminium drink can; from purchase by a consumer, disposal, reprocessing and remanufacture back into 'new' cans.

Aimed at key stage 1 and 2 audiences, the activity is also suitable for key stage 3. Footage accompanied by the commentary from a robot character LOOP and on-screen subtitles encourage children to think about what is happening at each stage and how they can contribute to the recycling of aluminium drink cans.

The Loop can be played in its entirety (running time 15 minutes) or stage-by-stage by clicking onto the relevant number on the screen. Multiple choice questions at the end of each stage can be used to reinforce the key points of the clip.

 

Below are a selection of screenshots from the interactive Loop Resource, simply click on the thumbnail images to enlarge:

 

 

Stages in the Recycling Loop

 

Stage	Summary	Duration (mins)
1	Purchase and consumption Shows the range of places and uses of aluminium drink cans. 13million are used in the UK each day. Prompts the question, do the children recycle?	1:15
2	Recycling Describes how recycling can save raw materials, energy and waste. Children can consider the opportunities for recycling aluminium cans within their locality. Introduces the Cash for Cans recycling scheme.	1:50
3	Reprocessing Shows the first stage of recycling. It shows how the bales of aluminium cans are first shredded before being melted into liquid aluminium inside large furnaces. The final stage is to cast the liquid aluminium into a solid ingot which can then be used to produce new drink cans.	5:30
4	Sheet production The aluminium ingots are squeezed between rollers to produce very thin sheets which can be used to make new cans. This process illustrates how a material's property can be changed; from a rigid solid block of aluminium to a flexible thin sheet.	1:15
5	Can making Shows how cans are produced and filled with drink. It describes how the properties of aluminium make it suitable as a drink can. Aluminium does not rust or taint the contents, it is light, made easily into cans that can hold liquid under pressure, can have designs printed onto its surface and can be readily recycled.	3:15
6	Distribution The final stage is illustrated by showing how the cans made from recycled aluminium are returned to the shop to start the whole process again. Questions at the conclusion encourage the children to think about their responsibility to recycle and reduce waste.	1:20

 

Online Preview:

This is a short sample which showcases some of the content of the full resource.

Running time: 6 minutes

System Requirements:
Browser: Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 (or higher), Netscape 7.1 (or 8.0), Firefox 1.0, Mozilla 1.7 or Safari
Plugin:   Adobe Flash Player*

Broadband connection recommended

View Online Preview Now 

Download Full Version of The Loop Resource:

This contains the entire recycling loop interactive resource, which you can download and install.
Also included in this resource are Teachers Notes, and additional classroom activities for Key Stage 1, 2 & 3.

Running time: 15 minutes

System Requirements: PC

Microsoft Windows XP Professional or Home Edition (Service Pack 1 or 2),
Windows 2000 (Service Pack 2),
Windows XP Tablet PC Edition,
Windows Server 2003,
or Windows NT (Service Pack 6 or 6a)

Free hard disk space 800MB

Processor 1GHz Pentium III or compatible

RAM 512mb, Graphics Card with thousands of colours, sound card and speakers.
Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 (or higher), Netscape 7.1 (or 8.0), Firefox 1.0, or Mozilla 1.7

This downloadable resource is a Windows only version.

Download Full Loop Resource Now (Size: 200mb)

 

Request CDrom Version The Loop Resource:

We would recommend that you download the above full resource, it's large but the short wait is worth it! Alternatively a Mac & PC version is available on a FREE CDRom disc.

Request CDRom Version  

 

Think cans in the Classroom:

'The Aluminium Can Recycling Loop' is part of our range of free interactive learning resources, which include downloadable activity sheets and interactive activities, all of which can be found on this site:

If you're a teacher click here to learn more and download resources.

If you're a student click here to get homework help, play games and other cool recycling stuff.

If you're a parent click here to find out how you can help support your child.

For any e-support or general enquiries contact us