Make Math Materials from Recycled Plastic Containers

In my home, we use many products that are packaged in plastic cylinder-shaped containers. Some of these have a very nice dispenser type lid. These containers are made to hold baby wipes and cleaning wipes. The unlidded kind hold frozen concentrated juice. I'm sure if we as one family use a great deal, that day cares, schools and nursing homes use a great deal as well. Unfortunately not all regions will recycle all kinds of plastic.

But these containers are just too useful to throw away. Any senior care facility, day care, nursing home or school can save them and reuse them in a variety of ways. For teachers, parents, home-schoolers, daycare providers, tutors etc. these containers can be used to make all different kinds math visual aides, manipultives, crafts, games and activities for all ages and grades. Because they are recycled they cost next to nothing to make. They are durable and are large enough to use in front of a group or classroom. Here are 10 math concepts that you can use these containers to teach.

Sorting/ attributes: Label and model each container with the different attributes: size (bigger than, smaller than) shapes, colors, heavier/ lighter, metal/wood, living/ non-living etc. Place an assortment of objects in a pile and ask students to sort them into the containers.

Geometry: Cover with contact paper and use to demonstrate the properties of a cylinder. Ask students to brainstorm uses for a cylinder (engine, pipe, and then give each student a container to make a model of a cylinder at work or demonstrate a use. Repeat this activity for other geometric solids using other cycled materials: boxes for cubes and rectangular prisms, party hat or drinking cup for cones, plastic easter egg for Ovoid, balls for spheres. Each student can make his own set and label them, showing how they can be used. Make a shape petting zoo for the class with models the students have made.