Polymers
Polymer chemistry is the study of large molecules and will be an extension of your previous learning in Organic chemistry. It is also part of a general area of chemical study that is of great importance to humans - Materials chemistry. Polymers are most commonly associated with plastics, however, there are many polymers that are not plastics including some naturally occurring polymers.
Introductory Activity
During this unit, you will be doing some research and writing a report on polymers, so as an introductory activity, do some initial research around the following focus ideas and take notes about your findings. Be creative in your search, which can include interesting facts, images, statistics and even video links. REMEMBER: don't forget to reference where you found information so you and/or your classmates can follow-up on anything you/they find interesting.
1. What are some interesting types and uses of polymers in our society and how are they produced?
2. What are some of the important properties of polymers and how do these relate to their uses?
3. How much of these polymers are being used on the planet and how much is recycled?
4. What are some of the ecological concerns about polymers and how can we overcome some of these?
5. How was polyethene/polyethylene discovered?
You don't need to address all of these questions and you may find other interesting information that is not addressed. The idea is to become more familiar with polymers in our society, so if you find something interesting, share it with the class. Also, if you have burning questions that come up as you search, put those in the discussion as well.
Introductory Activity
During this unit, you will be doing some research and writing a report on polymers, so as an introductory activity, do some initial research around the following focus ideas and take notes about your findings. Be creative in your search, which can include interesting facts, images, statistics and even video links. REMEMBER: don't forget to reference where you found information so you and/or your classmates can follow-up on anything you/they find interesting.
1. What are some interesting types and uses of polymers in our society and how are they produced?
2. What are some of the important properties of polymers and how do these relate to their uses?
3. How much of these polymers are being used on the planet and how much is recycled?
4. What are some of the ecological concerns about polymers and how can we overcome some of these?
5. How was polyethene/polyethylene discovered?
You don't need to address all of these questions and you may find other interesting information that is not addressed. The idea is to become more familiar with polymers in our society, so if you find something interesting, share it with the class. Also, if you have burning questions that come up as you search, put those in the discussion as well.
Resources
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Links
Macrogalleria of polymers - Background reading about polymers and their uses (very extensive)
Polymer education from Polymer Ambassadors - Background reading and activities
Chemistry of polymerization processes - Background reading including descriptions and diagrams
Plastics - Its all about the molecular structure - Background reading on polymer properties vs. structures
Hydrogels: water absorbing polymers - Background readings from multiple resources and animations
Accidental discoveries of polyethylene - Background reading
Early marketing of plastic products and common uses - Background reading
Can plastics be good for the environment? - Background reading
Plastics not so fantastic - Background article (Scientific American magazine)
Life cycle of plastics - Ted Ed unit
Making a polymer from milk investigation - Investigation: go to this site to learn about a polymer that can be created from milk. There is a simple procedure to allow you to make this polymer, which is appropriate for a much younger student. Before carrying out this experiment, modify it so that it is more appropriately written for a senior Chemistry student by designing an experiment that includes independent and dependent variables. See the "Extra" references for ideas or come up with one of your own.
Casein polymer - potential as a sustainable polymer - Background reading
Casein polymer - as an environmentally safe adhesive - Background reading
Investigation on identifying polymer types - Background reading and investigation
ERT assessment guidance - from Griffith U
Macrogalleria of polymers - Background reading about polymers and their uses (very extensive)
Polymer education from Polymer Ambassadors - Background reading and activities
Chemistry of polymerization processes - Background reading including descriptions and diagrams
Plastics - Its all about the molecular structure - Background reading on polymer properties vs. structures
Hydrogels: water absorbing polymers - Background readings from multiple resources and animations
Accidental discoveries of polyethylene - Background reading
Early marketing of plastic products and common uses - Background reading
Can plastics be good for the environment? - Background reading
Plastics not so fantastic - Background article (Scientific American magazine)
Life cycle of plastics - Ted Ed unit
Making a polymer from milk investigation - Investigation: go to this site to learn about a polymer that can be created from milk. There is a simple procedure to allow you to make this polymer, which is appropriate for a much younger student. Before carrying out this experiment, modify it so that it is more appropriately written for a senior Chemistry student by designing an experiment that includes independent and dependent variables. See the "Extra" references for ideas or come up with one of your own.
Casein polymer - potential as a sustainable polymer - Background reading
Casein polymer - as an environmentally safe adhesive - Background reading
Investigation on identifying polymer types - Background reading and investigation
ERT assessment guidance - from Griffith U
Videos