To access this lesson, you will need to fill out this form:
Exploring the World of Polymers
Welcome to the exciting world of polymers! In this STEMonDemand lesson, students in grades 3-12 will dive into the fascinating science behind polymers, understanding their structure, properties, and how they impact our daily lives. Whether you're exploring polymers for the first time or deepening your knowledge, this lesson has something for everyone.
(Grades 3-5, Grades 6-12 have different activity sheets.)
Polymers are incredibly versatile materials that can be both natural and synthetic. Students will learn what polymers are, how they are formed, and why they are so important in a variety of fields, from technology and sports to healthcare and environmental science. Through hands-on activities, students will identify different types of polymers, sort them into natural and synthetic categories, and understand how they are used in everyday products like plastic bottles, clothing, and even the devices we use for entertainment and communication.
Key Activities:
Polymer Structure Exploration: Students will create drawings and models to represent polymer chains, enhancing their understanding of molecular structures.
Sorting Polymers: A hands-on activity to identify and categorize natural and synthetic polymers.
DNA as a Natural Polymer: Learn about the essential role of DNA as a polymer in living organisms.
Digital and Print Media Investigation: Use resources to gather information about the different uses of polymers and draw conclusions.
Writing Activity: Students will demonstrate their understanding of polymers by writing about their findings, practicing standard English conventions for capitalization, punctuation, and spelling.
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to define what a polymer is, explain the difference between natural and synthetic polymers, and understand the role of polymers in various industries. They'll also develop their research and writing skills while deepening their understanding of the world of science and engineering.
Learning Objectives:
Define what a polymer is.
Draw a representation of a polymer structure.
Sort and identify natural and synthetic polymers.
Understand DNA as a natural polymer.
Use information from digital and print sources to draw conclusions.
Write about the topic while applying standard English conventions of capitalization, punctuation, and spelling.
Join us on this adventure into the world of polymers, where creativity meets science to shape the future!
Approximate time needed: 45 minutes
NGSS Standards Alignment
Elementary (Grades 3-5) - ELA: RI.3.7, RI.5.1, W.5.8., RI.5.9, Science: 5-ESS3-1.
Middle & High School (Grades 9-12) - Life Science: HS-LS1-1, HS-LS1-6.
CTE (Grades 11-12) - Polymer Science: PS4.1b, PS4.3, PS4.3a, PS4.3b, Language Arts: 11-12LA2, 11-12LA2b, 11-12LA4.
Reading in Science & Technical Courses - 11-12RST2, 11-12RST4.
Read down for Paid Research Opportunities for Teachers!
What Comes with The Lesson?
-
Video Lesson
-
Lesson Plan
Bundle includes Lesson Plan, Handouts, Assessments, Standards, etc.
-
Middle School Teacher Workshop
Opportunity for Middle School Teachers (G 5 - 8) to apply for FREE workshop with paid stipend and CEU’s!
-
Research Experience for Teachers
Opportunity for High School Teachers to apply for PAID summer research experience in Polymer Science!