Natural and Synthetic Polymers
This list of resources covers polymers at key stage 4.
Whilst this list provides a source of information and ideas for experimental work, it is important to note that recommendations can date very quickly. Do NOT follow suggestions which conflict with current advice from CLEAPSS, SSERC or other recent safety guides. eLibrary users are responsible for ensuring that any activity, including practical work, which they carry out is consistent with current regulations related to Health and Safety and that they carry an appropriate risk assessment. Further information is provided in our Health and Safety guidance
Fantastic Plastic *suitable for home teaching*
This is a really comprehensive set of resources looking at the properties of different polymers and how they are being used and developed. There is a teacher booklet with lots of background information and suggested teaching activities, powerpoint presentations and student practical sheets.
Invention of Nylon *suitable for home teaching*
This short video looks at how nylon was developed from experimentation with different polymers, how useful it is, and how it can be used in clothing. There is also a transcript of the video and several pictures of stills from it.
Plastics and Polymers *suitable for home teaching*
This short video looks at polymerisation, how polymers have many different properties and uses. There is also a transcript of the video and various stills from it.
Recycling Plastics *suitable for home teaching*
This short video looks at how most plastic we throw away is non-biodegradable but can be recycled. There is also a transcript of the video and various stills from it.
Stephanie Kwolek - Polymer Chemist *suitable for home teaching*
This is an article about Stephanie Kwolek who developed both the nylon rope trick demonstration and Kevlar, the tough polymer used for protective clothing.
Plastic challenge
A whole series of activities based around teaching of plastics and polymers. Activities include comparing properties of plastics, making plastic and comparing oil and bio based polymers. The resource contains teachers notes, presentations and student worksheets.
Big Bag Ban
In this activity students examine degradable plastic bags as a possible alternative to ordinary plastic bags. They choose questions to ask experts, and come to a reasoned decision in answer to the dilemma question: will degradable plastic bags solve the problems caused by ordinary plastic bags?
Polymer Activities
A great set of practical ideas to use when teaching about polymers including making a glue and making plastic from potato starch along with follow up questions. The resource contains a student booklet and teacher notes.
Sodium Alginate Worms
Instructions on how to make sodium alginate worms by pouring a sodium alginate suspension into a solution of calcium ions. The student sheet contains practical instructions and follow up questions.
Emergency Care
Investigating polymers through practical activity. Exploring medical applications of PVC and other polymers.
The Essential Plastics Industry
Some links to man-made and natural polymers.