Science Bob Pflugfelder
Science Bob: Homemade Slime!
Contains a procedure for creating slime -- a polymer formed by mixing water, borax, Elmer's glue, and food coloring. Following the procedure, the site contains a brief description of what polymers are.
Math Science Nucleus
Math/science Nucleus: Polymer Storybook
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.
Science Fun for Everyone
Science Fun: Balloon Pop! Not!
In this fast and fun science experiment video, we will teach you how to stick a needle in a balloon without popping the balloon. Video tutorial included.
Sophia Learning
Sophia: Bill Nye Demonstration: Happy and Unhappy Ball
What happens when a ball bounces? Learn about liquid nitrogen as Bill Nye the Science Guy demonstrates what happens to everyday materials when placed in it. [0:22]
McREL International
Mc Rel: Glue Polymer (Whelmer #15 Learning Activity)
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.
Maryland Science Center
Maryland Science Center: Balloon Kabob [Pdf]
Learn how to push a skewer through a balloon without actually popping it, and why this is possible.
Maryland Science Center
Maryland Science Center: Milk Plastic [Pdf]
A simple experiment to create a chemical reaction between milk and vinegar, with the product being a type of plastic.
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Turn Milk Into Plastic!
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.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Everyday Polymers
Students explore the chemical identities of polymeric materials frequently used in their everyday lives. They learn how chemical composition affects the physical properties of the materials that they encounter and use frequently, as well...
Science Fun for Everyone
Science Fun: Squishy Turkeys
Watch Scientist Joe demonstrate how to make a turkey in a glove using homemade slime in this video presentation.
Science Struck
Science Struck: Properties of Polystyrene
Explains what polystyrene is and its many different properties and uses.
Science Struck
Science Struck: Ldpe Plastic
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...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Focus on Fabrics: Putting Materials to Good Use
The goal is for students to understand the basics of engineering associated with the use, selection, and properties of fabrics. A wide variety of natural and synthetic fibers are used in our clothing, home furnishings and in our travel...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Battle of the Beams
Students explore the properties of composites using inexpensive materials and processing techniques. They create beams using Laffy Taffy and water, and a choice of various reinforcements (pasta, rice, candies) and fabricating...
Science Struck
Science Struck: Properties and Uses of Polypropylene
Discusses properties, uses, and facts about polypropylene.
Other
60 Second Science: Easy Putty
Explore the properties of colloids while making putty. Discover how some mixtures can display properties of both solids and liquids.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Macromolecules: Introduction to Macromolecules
An article introducing macromolecules. Learn about monomers and polymers and the processes that build them and break them down.
BiologyWise
Biology Wise: How to Make a 3 D Dna Model Project
Describes the steps for how to make a model of DNA using colored polymer clay and wire. Students will gain a good understanding of the structure of DNA by doing this project.
University of Pennsylvania
University of Pennsylvania: Solid State Chemistry: Describing Crystalline Solids
This site contains in-depth information on crystalline solids. Includes basic concepts, pictures, learning graphs, and useful tools.
National Inventors Hall of Fame
National Inventors Hall of Fame: Roy J. Plunkett
This website provides biographical information about Roy J. Plunkett and his discovery of Teflon.
Other
Dupont: History of Teflon
This website tells the history of the development of teflon, and incldues information on Dr. Roy Plunkett, the inventor of teflon.
Other
Nanozone Comics: Honey, I Shrunk Myself!
Follow Rachel as she evolves from an interest in solving games and patterns to a career in material science. Watch as she uses nanotechnology to work with polymers. Read about new nanotech devices that can help improve our world in the...
Other
American Plastics Council: The History of Plastics
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...