Polymers & nanomaterials
This is a list of resources to support the teaching of polymers, new materials and their applications at GCSE level. Some of the new materials covered in the resources include nanomaterials, shape memory materials, and fullerenes, plus drug delivery systems and nanomachines, nanotechnology, plastic, smart materials, ferrofluid and hydrogel.
- ALL
- Teacher guidance
- Textbook
- Video
- Demonstration
- Article
- Activity sheet
- External link
Teacher guidance
Go with the Flow: Investigating Bouncy Fluids and Other Strange Materials
This booklet provides teachers with a range of practical activities to introduce a selection of materials with interesting and unusual flow properties. Specialist materials, mostly polymers, such as slime, polymorph, silicone gum and putty, plus the magnetic liquid, Ferrofluid, are required for the activities. For each material the booklet provides practical activities for the classroom, safety and handling information, curriculum links and background science. The activities can be used across the attainment range in KS3 and KS4.
Textbook
Physics for Future Technology: Condensed Matter
This booklet explains the dynamics of polymers and colloids and how they can be engineered at the nano-level for industrial use. It is a useful resource for the non-physics specialist teacher to improve subject knowledge and to gain an insight into current research and applications of this technology. It illustrates how this research blurs the boundaries between the STEM subjects.
Video
Nanotechnology Song
This video clip from the Science Museum, explaining nanotechnology in the form of a song, is aimed at KS4 students. It lasts two and a half minutes and could be used as an engaging inroduction/starter to a lesson on new materials and their applications.
Demonstration
Condensation Polymerisation
This is a simple, quick teacher demonstration that allows KS4 students to see polymerisation in action in the production of a length of nylon.
Article
Fantastic Plastic
This Catalyst article looks at the molecular chain of polymers and also the future of polymers in manufacturing. Aimed at KS4 students, it provides useful material for student information packs for research tasks and could also form part of a wall display for the topic.
Nanoscience
Although the 'Big Picture' is a post-16 resource for exploring issues around biology and medicine, it would also be suitable for higher ability KS4 students. This issue discusses a whole range of nanotechnologies and their applications. With an excellent section on the social, economical, political and environmental issues which influence technological developments and an explanation of the precautionary principal, this article would be a good resource to help students formulate their own opinions in preparation for a class debate. It could also be used as part of an information pack for a student research task , or a classroom display.
Hydrogels - Water-Absorbing Polymers
This is a Catalyst article about the structure and applications of hydrogel - a unique polymer which can absorb huge quantities of water. The possible medical applications of hydrogel are explained, such as drug delivery. The article is accessible to higher ability KS4 or post 16 students and would be ideal as part of a folder of information for student research tasks. Alternatively, it could form part of a stimulating display on polymers together with the other articles in this list..
Nanotechnology *suitable for home teaching*
This is a Catalyst article about nanotechnology, the science of building tiny devices. It is aimed at higher ability KS4 students and could be used with other articles related to the topic in an information pack for student research or group work. It could also form part of a classroom display on new materials and their applications.
It's a Material World
This Catalyst article is aimed at KS4 students and gives careers advice on how to become a materials scientist or engineer.
Activity sheet
Fantastic Plastic *suitable for home teaching*
This KS4 resource for teachers provides a detailed overview of the topic of polymers, teaching suggestions, practical activities, student activity sheets, powerpoint presentations and useful links. The practical ideas are fun and explore the properties of some interesting polymers, although some are for teacher demonstration only. The student activities are short enough to be part of a single lesson or could be used together as a circus of activities. Some inexpensive but specialist resources are required for several of the activities.
Novel Materials and Smart Applications
The Novel Materials and Smart Applications booklet contains an illustrated overview of the topic with suggestions for teachers on how to introduce the ideas in the classroom, plus student activity sheets and notes for teachers and technicians. The activities are designed to support the requirements of GCSE science specifications and can form part of a lesson or be set up as a circus of activities around the room. The activities could also be adapted to suit KS3. A range of low-cost practical resources to support the activities are available for purchase from Mindsets.
Plastic from Milk
This resource for teachers describes how students can make their own plastic from vinegar and milk. The activity is suitable for use across the attainment range in KS3 and KS4.
External link
Terrific Science
Terrific Science is a web site with a lot of free resources for teachers, including this large selection of ideas for lessons on polymers most suitable for KS5. The 'Freebies' section of the website has collections of resources include teaching suggestions, investigations, activities and film clips for teachers of science at all key stages.
Inspirational Chemistry 4.4: Hydrogels
This RSC resource for teachers consists of an investigation and student worksheets covering the properties of hydrogels and the potential application of similar materials as drug delivery systems. The activities are aimed at GCSE level, but can be adapted for use at KS3 and KS5. The resources for the investigation are readily available but would need ordering in advance.
Compostable Plastics have a sweet ending
The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council Website has a large selection of case studies which explain, in easily accessible language, the applications of cutting edge research. It is a very useful resource for teachers trying to add relevance and real-life applications to a range of GCSE topics. This case study describes how the development of biodegradable polymers has potential medical applications such as tissue regeneration and drug delivery.
