Search Results

In this activity, learners explore how nanotechnology is being used to create new types of protective fabrics.

In this up-cycling activity, learners recycle plastic bags and repurpose them into useful wallets.

In this activity, learners use chemistry to “self-assemble” gummy shapes. Learners discover that self-assembly is a process by which molecules and cells form themselves into functional structures.

Learners compare the properties of two balls that appear identical. One ball bounces, while the other ball "thuds." The “bounce” ball is made of the polymer polybutadiene (-C4H4-).

In this activity (on pages 4-5), learners make fake snow by adding water to the super-absorbant chemical from diapers, sodium polyacrylate.

This is written as a display, but can easily be adapted to a hands-on activity. Learners discover how all the parts of a diaper work together to keep babies dry and comfortable.

In this activity, learners discover how a super-absorbing material can be used to move a straw.

In this hands-on activity, learners use heat to shrink samples of polystyrene plastic (#6 recycle code). Learners compare the size and shape of the plastic pieces before and after shrinking.

In this activity, learners investigate the movement of water into and out of a polymer. Learners test the diffusion of water through gummy bears, which are made of sugar and gelatin (a polymer).

In this activity, learners thread gumdrops together to make a model of a polymer.

In this activity (on page 2 of the PDF), learners (with adult help and supervision) investigate how heat affects polystyrene plastic.

In this activity, learners explore the flexibility of polymer chains by pushing sharpened pencils through a Ziploc bag.

In this activity, learners discover how gelatin can be used as a medium for drug delivery. Learners create colored gelatin and then cut out pieces of the gelatin to simulate medicine (pills).

In this activity on page 8 of the PDF, learners make a slimy substance very similar to mucus, and sprinkle it with glitter to imitate the way that allergens are trapped.

In this activity on page 7 of the PDF, learners explore how engineers characterize building materials.

In this activity, learners investigate the properties of plastic bags. Learners find out what happens when they slowly push a pencil through a plastic bag filled with water.

In this activity on page 10 of the PDF, learners develop an experiment to answer the following question: "How much water can the hydrogel in a baby diaper hold?" Use this activity to explore polymers,

In this activity, learners make self-assembled polymer spheres.

Learners experiment with a piece of Silly Putty® by stretching, bouncing, and snapping it. They then create flubber, a similar substance, by mixing diluted glue and a solution of sodium borate.

In this activity, learners concoct some stretchy green goo called Gak. This activity will introduce learners to polymers, chemical reactions, and how scientists invent new materials.