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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Influence of Initiator Concentration on the Molecular Weight of Polystyrene

For Teachers 11th - Higher Ed
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 instructional activity with...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Addition Polymerization: Preparation of Polystyrene Using Two Types of Initiators

For Teachers 11th - Higher Ed
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...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Oils and Plastic

For Teachers 5th - 10th
Peruse the properties of polymers with your materials engineers, chemistry aces, or emerging ecologists. The inquiries in this resource include puncturing polyethylene plastic bags, dissolving polystyrene cups, creating a polymer ball...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

#24 How Much Air Is In Foamed Polystyrene Products?

For Teachers Higher Ed
Students are challenged to come up with a good estimate of the amount of air in foamed polystyrene products. They use this gas evolution experiment and as such have students measure the gas generated when foamed polystyrene is degassed...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Polystyrene Containers

For Teachers 3rd - 12th
Students conduct experiments to determine the effectiveness of polystyrene containers at preventing heat loss. In this polymers instructional activity, students design an experiment to determine how effective Styrofoam burger containers...
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Lesson Plan
Marilyn J. Brackney

Imagination Factory: Make a Print! Make a Print! Make a Print!

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Besides providing background information on printmaking as well as detailed instructions on how to make your own print, this website offers "Tips and Tricks," to making new and original prints. This is an online resource for novice...
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Lesson Plan
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College

Serc: Mn Step: The Disintegration of Polystyrene Lab

For Teachers 9th - 10th
A lab activity where students investigate the structure of polystyrene by breaking down the cross-links between bonds using acetone. The experiment will help them to understand how mass is conserved despite the drastic change in volume,...
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Lesson Plan
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College

Serc: Mn Step: Shrinky Dink Chemistry

For Teachers 4th - 6th
In this lesson, students first learn about thermoplastics, and about polystyrene in particular, which is a #6 plastic. They will then heat different #6 plastics to create shrinky dinks. As they are heated, they shrink, which is a...
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Article
Other

Petrochemicals Europe: Discovery Timeline

For Students 9th - 10th
Follow this timeline to learn about the development of the petrochemical industry and significant innovators in the creation of many of the products we take for granted.
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Handout
Science Struck

Science Struck: Properties of Polystyrene

For Students 9th - 10th
Explains what polystyrene is and its many different properties and uses.
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Activity
Maryland Science Center

Maryland Science Center: Shrinky Dink Charms [Pdf]

For Students 4th - 6th
Use recycled plastic to make shrinky dink jewelry and decorations.
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Lesson Plan
Science and Mathematics Initiative for Learning Enhancement (SMILE)

Smile: Polymers: The Discovery

For Teachers 2nd - 8th
A simple lab activity which introduces the field of polymer chemistry. Includes the use of polystyrene in a neat reaction.
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Handout
Other

Design in Site: Polystyrene

For Students 9th - 10th
Decent site which outlines the properties of polystyrene. Interesting statistics on the raw material needs of production.