Curated OER
Condensation Polymerization: Preparation of Thiokoll® (Polysulfide Rubber)
This lab activity is geared toward experienced chemistry learners, in particular, those who are familiar with organic chemistry. They will create a synthetic elastomer and then make observations and measurements of its different...
Curated OER
Sorting Plastics For Recycling
First, young chemists practice polymer identification by density and flame tests. With the data collected, they propose a method of separating polyethylene from other plastics and determine what property makes it desirable for recycling....
Curated OER
The Influence of Initiator Concentration on the Molecular Weight of Polystyrene
This in-depth organic chemistry lab walks learners through an investigation of the effect of initiator concentration on the resulting molecular weight of polystyrene. It is important that you use this instructional activity with...
Curated OER
Condensation Polymerization: Preparation of Two Types of Polyesters
College-level or AP chemists use phthalic anhydride to synthesize two different polyesters, one linear and one cross-linked in structure. A detailed materials list and well-written procedures are provided on a lab sheet. Learners write...
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Investigation of Crystallinity in Polymeric Materials
A kaleidoscope is constructed using polarizing polymer paper and then low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, and polypropylene are all melted onto individual glass slides and examined through a microscope. The intent is to...
Curated OER
Addition Polymerization: Preparation of Polystyrene Using Two Types of Initiators
Advanced chemistry classes compare the polymerization of styrene using two different initators: benzoyl peroxide and aluminum chloride. Once they synthesize polystyrene, they compare the two producet for melting point and density. There...
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Simple Tensile Testing of Polymeric Films and Sheeting
Chemistry classes pretend to be consultants to a grocery story trying to decide what polymer to use for therir new non-paper bags. They prepare tensile bars and use them to test plastic film samples for strength and stretchability. Both...
Lesson Plans
Macromolecule Worksheet
Biology scholars are asked to define and explain, to complete a chart, and to fill in the blanks for seventeen macromolecule questions. Easy for pupils to read and comprehensive in content, this is a resource that you will want to use....
Curated OER
Make Slime
Students make slime. In this chemical reaction lesson, student use Borax to make a gel like solution. Students add all ingredients listed, add food coloring, and mix well. Students see first hand how chemicals react together and...
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Cross-Linked Polymer Lab
In this polymer worksheet, students make two types of cross linked polymers and they test their physical properties. These include their response to agitation, stretchability, viscosity, and resilience.
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Polymer Fun
Students examine and determine properties of polymers. They explore basic concepts of polymer chemistry and work in groups to produce a polymer, slime. In addition, they list examples of every day polymers and their benefits.
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Build a Better Bouncer
Students experiment with silly putty. In this chemical changes lesson students work in groups, perform tests and collect data.
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How Shocking
Young scholars describe the characteristics of polymers and rubbers and how they improve human lives. In this shock lesson students build a shock absorbing structure using different polymer materials.
Curated OER
Industrial Processes of Polymers: How toys Are Made
Students explore how technology and science have created the plastics that make toys. In this industrial processes lesson students work on their own injected molded product and a blow molded product.
Curated OER
Color Your World
Learners calculate the cost of painting a room. In this surface area lesson, students create a scale model from provided dimensions of a bedroom. Groups use area formulas to find square footage, from which materials and labor costs are...
Curated OER
Polymerization of Nylon
High schoolers demonstrate how to create polymers from monomers. In this chemistry instructional activity, students describe the properties of the new nylon produced. They research about a polymer they chose.
Curated OER
Will It Stretch?
Students describe the effects of temperature change to rubber band's physical properties. In this chemistry lesson, students measure the length of rubber band when temperature changes. They explain why the length varies.
Discovery Education
Discovery Education: 3 M Young Scientist Lab: Sandwich Bag Dart Board
Sharp Pencils and water-filled sandwich bags demonstrate the nature of certain polymers.