Activity
Maryland Science Center

Maryland Science Center: Milk Plastic [Pdf]

For Students 3rd - 5th
A simple experiment to create a chemical reaction between milk and vinegar, with the product being a type of plastic.
Lesson Plan
Science Buddies

Science Buddies: Turn Milk Into Plastic!

For Teachers 6th - 8th
In this hands-on lesson plan, students will conduct a simple milk-transforming experiment to explore how plastics can be derived from a natural resource such as milk.
Lesson Plan
McREL International

Mc Rel: Glue Polymer (Whelmer #15 Learning Activity)

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
An easy to do activity that investigates the basic principles behind chemical bonding. The activity is written in lesson plan format that meets NSES standards.
Interactive
Math Science Nucleus

Math/science Nucleus: Polymer Storybook

For Students Pre-K - 1st
This animation discusses polymers and the properties of polymers in a storybook format. The story covers polymers both plastic and natural, and provides interesting information.
Website
Other

American Chemistry Council: Plastics: Basics: Polymer Definition and Properties

For Students 9th - 10th
This resource provides information about what polymers are and their properties.
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...
Handout
Other

American Plastics Council: The History of Plastics

For Students 9th - 10th
This site from the American Plastics Council provides a brief history of all major developments of fibers and plastics including the early invention of rayon. Very interesting and informative, it also includes a timeline for easier...
Activity
Science is Fun

Science Is Fun: Gluep Solid or Liquid?

For Students 6th - 8th
In this experiment, students create a polymer substance called Gluep, then investigate its properties. Includes a detailed explanation of how the polymer molecules bond together to form the plastic.
Handout
Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Mit: Inventor of the Week: Leo Baekeland

For Students 9th - 10th
Use this site to learn about how Leo Baekeland invented plastic, and how this simple invention resulted in a "plastic revolution."
Unit Plan
Other

Libros Vivos: Los Plasticos

For Students 6th - 8th
Plastics are obtained by polymerization of compounds derived from petroleum and natural gas. Learn about the different plastics and about the different process of fabrication in this site. You will find a lot of illustrations and...
Handout
Science Struck

Science Struck: Ldpe Plastic

For Students 9th - 10th
LDPE stands for low-density polyethylene. This resource describes its structure, physical and chemical properties, resistance to various chemicals, advantages and disadvantages, uses, its BPA-free status, and the issue of recycling LDPE...
Handout
American Chemical Society

American Chemical Society: The Bakelizer [Pdf]

For Students 9th - 10th
Find out all you want to know about the revolutionary development of Bakelite, the first plastic created entirely from chemicals. Included is a biography of the inventor of Bakelite, Leo Baekeland.
Handout
Other

Chemical Heritage Foundation: Leo Hendrik Baekeland

For Students 9th - 10th
Leo Hendrik Baekeland was the inventor of bakelite, the first completely synthetic plastic. Biographical information and photographs on this page.
Website
Other

San Diego Plastics, Inc.: Polyethylene

For Students 9th - 10th
The features, applications, and the fabrication process of high density and low density polyethylenes are listed and described.
Article
York University

Chemistry Hall of Fame: Polyethylene a Plastic of Many Uses

For Students 9th - 10th
Background information on the discovery of polyethylene is found on this website. Also lists polyethylene's many uses.
Website
Other

Prince Edward Island: Behind the Eight Ball

For Students 9th - 10th
Interesting historical article about the driving force behind the invention of celluloid.
Handout
Wikimedia

Wikipedia: Polypropylene

For Students 9th - 10th
This site from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, provides brief but factual information on the function of Polypropylene. A good site to get a short overview on the subject, with a few links to additional information.
Graphic
Curated OER

Smithsonian Institution Archives: Jeanne Helen Osiecki (B. 1926)

For Students 9th - 10th
A native of Switzerland, organic chemist Jeanne Helen Osiecki (b. 1926) had received her Ph.D. from Stanford University in 1960 and began working at Lockheed Missiles and Space Co. in 1961. When this photograph was distributed, Osiecki...