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Sustainable STEM: Polymer Properties

Sustainable STEM: Polymer Properties
Contributors
Beyond Benign, Inc.
Retired K-12 Educator | Beyond Benign, Inc.
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Summary
In this lesson, students will explore the basics of polymer science, using pipe cleaners and colored penne to create models. Then, students will create two different slimes using chemical reactions and consider the difference between naturally derived and synthetic materials.

This project came about from a collaboration between Beyond Benign and Steelcase.

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Moderation state
Published
Object Type
Laboratory experiment
Lecture or course slides/notes (e.g., PPT, Prezi, PDF)
Activities/Technology (e.g., in-class activities, online games, hands-on activities/manipulatives, outreach, virtual tools, etc.)
Case studies
Audience
Middle School
Published on
Green Chemistry Principles
Less Hazardous Chemical Syntheses
Designing Safer Chemicals
Safer Solvents and Auxiliaries
Use of Renewable Feedstocks
Reduce Derivatives
Design for Degradation
U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
No Poverty
Quality Education
Gender Equality
Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Sustainable Cities and Communities
Responsible Consumption and Production
NGSS Standards, if applicable
MS-PS1-1. Develop models to describe the atomic composition of simple molecules and extended structures.

MS-PS1-2. Analyze and interpret data on the properties of substances before and after the substances interact to determine if a chemical reaction has occurred.

MS-PS1-3. Gather and make sense of information to describe that synthetic materials come from natural resources and impact society.
Learning Goals/Student Objectives
-Make several polymers
-Make qualitative observations about monomers, cross-linking chemicals, and polymers
-Compare the properties of natural versus synthetic polymers
Common pedagogies covered
Collaborative/cooperative learning
Context-based learning
Hands-on learning
Problem-based learning
Student-centered learning
Time required (if applicable)
One 45-60 minute class period

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Safety Precautions, Hazards, and Risk Assessment
Aprons, goggles, and gloves(optional) must be worn. Wash hands and clean work area before and after the lab.
Disposal information: All products in this lab should be placed in a trash receptacle, as slimes can clog drains and pipes. Remember to have your students neutralize the whey waste from the Polymer 1 lab. If the slimes go into the sink, flush with copious amounts water to dilute.
Teacher Recommendations or Piloting Data (if available)
This activity uses the 5E model, be sure to read the whole article before assigning to your students.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.59877/WSVC5749

File (PDF, PPT, image, etc)

File (PDF, PPT, image, etc)
Creative Commons License