What an exciting way to introduce your blossoming chemists to the world of metals, nonmetals, metalloids, and polymers! Here is a lab activity that is designed to allow pupils the opportunity to visualize the reaction of metals,...

Did you know that at any one moment in the United States, millions of dollars in circulation could actually be fake? Build commerce and chemistry acumen, and discover the tools needed to spot counterfeit currency.

What a thrilling job for an engineer: designing advanced athletic competition suits! Which materials can most reduce friction and drag, and yet still be flexible enough to move with the athlete's body? With attention focused on Shani...

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...

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....

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...

Here is a unique assigment: compare and contrast ionic and covalent compounds in an extensive data table and then analyze Lewis dot structures in antoher. Three columns are to befilled in: "characteristic or feature," "applies to ionic...

This is a polished presentation of the nucleic acids. It is unique in that it examines both the genetic material and the energy molecules. Usually these are addressed separately even though they are both nucleic acids. This approach is...

Young scientists investigate the scientific concepts and principles that help make common toys such as hula hoops, yo-yos, slinkies, and silly putty work. As a class, they read "Backyard Rocket Science, Served Wet" to get a look behind...

Sixty multiple-choice chemistry questions make up this comprehensive exam used for the 2001 US National Chemistry Olympiad. Every topic that you would expect to approach in a general chemistry class is queried on. You could easily use...

Is it easy to make snow? Scholars use critical thinking skills as they investigate the concept of polymers by making snow. The class tests several different variables and takes measurements over the course of several days. They then...

Focus on macro-molecules including nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. A video explains which are monomers, which form polymers, and the process of changing from one to the other. It also covers the characteristics of...

Some plastics market as green, but are they really? Turns out, the question is a complicated one. A video lesson describes how these new plastics may have some decomposing properties but need a little boost from industry. The lesson...

Chemistry and biology work hand in hand, without one you literally wouldn't have the other. Using a presentation, individuals learn about plant cells, animal cells, cell responses, macromolecules, DNA bases, and so much more. A worksheet...

Synthetic materials increase in popularity every year. Exploring Energy takes on the chemistry behind synthetic materials, including polyester. The resource opens with a video explaining the difference between natural and synthetic...

To tape or to glue? Finally, an answer to a very sticky question. The narrator of a short, entertaining video offers insight into the science of adhesion.

Sometimes it's okay to eat your science experiment. A hands-on activity has pupils create models for algae to learn about its cellular structure. The best part of the experiment? The resulting juice-filled gels are edible—yum!

Get messy with a little slimy science! A series of experiments analyze the properties of slime. Learners also apply the definition of solid and liquid to the characteristics of their slime.

How do green plastics reduce waste and environmental pollution? Budding scientists create and test a variety of compounds used in green plastics during an insightful experiment. Beginning with startling statistics and ending with...

From windows that tint themselves to OLED technology, electrochromic polymers are redefining our ideas about conducting materials! Introduce your chemistry class to the emerging trend with an exciting lab activity. Budding materials...

Mold your learners into materials engineers. Using glue, Borax, and water, scholars create a viscoelastic material. But your class might know it by another name—Silly Putty.

You are what you wear! Learn the complex design strategies that result in the competition clothing seen in the Olympics. Scientists consider the requirement of each sport, which typically results in resisting air drag.