The materials used to produce skis have come a long way over the years. A short video explains how the materials in skis serve a specific purpose on the course. The lesson explores materials such as fiberglass and polymers.

When oil spills happen, how is the oil cleaned up? Pupils of polymer science discover an amazing substance that turns oil into a solid during a microscale experiment. Individuals observe oil or paraffin before and after addition of the...

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.

Compare and contrast macromolecules made from the same elements. Young scholars learn how the structure of a molecule has as much influence on a compound as the elements in the molecule. They experiment with molecular model kits to...

Learn about polymers while playing with shrinky dinks. Young scholars create a shrinky dink design, bake it, and then record the area, volume, and thickness over time. They model the data using a graph and highlight the key features of...

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...

Take a field trip to the laboratory of the famous Thomas Edison. An engaging video lesson explores the contributions of Edison to the scientific community. The narrator explains how his love of chemistry led to discoveries that changed...

Score a goal with your classes by showing the importance of science in soccer! Scholars learn how chemistry plays a part in the design of the soccer ball. An installment of a larger playlist explains how polymers make the properties of...

Plastic is fantastic! But, why does it behave the way it does? Science sleuths investigate the behavior of plastic in response to applied forces using an interactive. The resource allows users to bend a sample of plastic using three...

Putty is proof that learning can be fun! Share the wonderful world of polymers with your class through an experiment. Young scientists create their own silly putty, then examine its properties.

Molecules to the Max! refers to a movie released in 2009 about the world of atoms and molecules. A helpful discovery guide provides five posters on science topics typically covered at the middle school level. It also explains the...

From molecules to nanotubes, an engaging unit explores the world of tiny science. Fifteen hands-on experiments and lessons engage young scientists as they learn chemistry. Discussions, worksheets, and data analysis reinforce the concepts...

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...

No need to tread lightly on this piece of tire rubber! Polymer science pupils observe the behavior of rubber with an interesting interactive. Users apply three different levels of force to a sample, then watch how they affect the polymer...

You don't want to break these chains! Show young chemists and biologists the basics of polymerization with a simple interactive. The resource gives learners three types of polymers to experiment with, as well as a brief tutorial about...

Four percent of the world's CO2 emissions come from the chemical industry. The video discusses the environmental impact of industry. From using non-renewable resources, requiring high levels of energy, to polluting the ground, water, and...

Polymers are everywhere! But are oil-based polymers sustainable? Introduce your organic chemistry class to common materials formed from polymers, such as nylon, kevlar, and styrofoam. The video includes a discussion of the hazards of...

Protein makes up the second-most abundant substance in the human body. The video explains the relationship between proteins and amino acids. It also lists the many functions of proteins in humans, animals, and plants.

Both soft raincoats and hard door frames use PVC as their main components, yet they have very different textures. The video focuses on the use of plasticisers and hardeners to create the very different textures and uses for the same...

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.

What do drinking bottles and nylon have in common? They are both made with a condensation reaction. The video discusses how polymers join in a condensation reaction. It details the results of the reaction and why they combine in that...