New ReviewThe experiment known as one of the most beautiful experiments in biology changed the way we think about DNA. Learn about the experiment and the scientists who designed it—as well as the scientists who built on the results—with an online...

New ReviewGene switches work similarly to light switches in controlling one feature of their environments. Scholars study the Pitx1 gene in a specific type of fish. They learn the different ways this switch controls various body parts and...

Transcription happens in every cell, including plants, animals, and in all living matter. Observe the process of transcription through a slow and detailed animation of the process. With each step described in detail, viewers comprehend...

Polymers are an important part of our day-to-day lives, but how much do your pupils know about them? Learn the basics and beyond in a series of activities designed to build skills in observation, planning, organic chemistry, and bonding.

Explore condensation polymerization and additive polymerization through hands-on activities. Young scholars first model additive polymerization with paperclips. They finish the activity by using condensation polymerization to create a...

The radical reactions of polymers seems abstract to many pupils, but this lesson turns them into a fun building game. Scholars use dice and building pieces to build polymers. Then, they determine the theoretical and experimental weight...

It takes about 800 hours to replicate an average-sized human chromosome of single linear DNA. The video introduces the concept of DNA replication. It briefly explains the concepts of leading strands and lagging strands.

Vulcanization has nothing to do with Star Trek or the god of fire. The video explains the difference between thermosoftening and thermosetting polymers and the role of vulcanization to the process. It lists many products pupils are...

The use of biodegradable polymers revolutionized many branches of medicine. The video explains what synthetic polymers are and why they are important. Through numerous examples of real-life applications, scholars learn their importance...

Some polymers occur naturally while others are synthetic, but scientists moved a step further when creating designer polymers. The video describes what a designer polymer is and its many uses. It highlights a few examples focusing on the...

Natural polymers each display their own unique structure and function. The short video lists the many applications of these polymers in humans, animals, plants, and more. From DNA to erasers, natural polymers enhance our lives.

Introduce the macromolecules that make up living organisms. An instructive explains functional groups, dehydration and hydrolysis, and the four types of macromolecules. Video is the seventh in a series of 10.

High school chemists concentrate on the formation of polymers through condensation reactions. A video also explains the process of breaking them down through hydrolysis.

What is the difference in alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes? How can you remember which is which? Viewers learn about naming rules, cis-trans isomerism, hydrogenation, halogenation, polymerization, and triglycerides from a short video that...

All plastics contain polymers, but not all polymers are plastic. Young chemists make their own polymer and compare the properties to those of other states of matter. After a reading passage, pupils answer analysis questions about natural...

From the start of the Industrial Revolution, it only took 147 years for someone to invent plastic. This may seem like a long time, but in the history of inventing or discovering new materials, this is incredibly fast. An informative and...

Steve Spangler plays a sneaky trick on Mark by giving him a rubber ball that doesn't bounce! Video viewers learn that different types of rubber have different properties. Show this in your physical science unit when teaching the...

Steve Spangler plays a sneaky trick on Mark by giving him a rubber ball that doesn't bounce! Video viewers learn that different types of rubber have different properties. Show this in your physical science unit when teaching the...

Don't you wish you had the time to type up a study guide for your chemistry class? With this resource, there is no need! A chart comparing the properties of metals and non-metals tops the handout, followed by notes on the reactivity...

Present polymers to your chemistry class with this practical PowerPoint. Begin with a definition and the properties of polymer materials. Branch out into diagrams of polymer structure. Consider the two general types: addition polymers...

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...

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...

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 lesson with experienced chemistry...

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...