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In this activity, learners use pop-beads to understand the characteristics and properties of polymer chains. Learners discover how cross-linked polymers behave differently than non-cross-linked polymers. This activity also introduces learners to some optical properties of polymers.
- Under 5 minutes
- 10 to 30 minutes
- $5 - $10 per student
- Ages 14 - adult
- Activity, Demonstration, Model
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per student)
- 3 different colored sets of pop-beads
- 1 single-layer leaf bag
- 1 double-layer leaf bag
- 1 newspaper
- Cellophane tape
- Iridescent plastic film
- 2 Polarizing lenses
Subjects
-
Engineering and Technology
-
Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
-
Engineering
-
Physical Sciences
-
Chemistry
- Chemical Bonding
- Vibration and Waves
-
Light and Optics
- Lenses and Mirrors
- Reflection and Refraction
-
States of Matter
- Solids
-
Structure and Properties of Matter
- Atomic Structure
-
Chemistry
Informal Categories
- Model Building
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- see color
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
Components that are part of this resource:
- Introduction to the New Chain Gang Video Clip
- Chain Tearing Video Clip
- Optical Properties of Polymers Video Clip
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
Funding Sources:
- National Science Foundation Education and Human Resource Directorate, ESI 92-53386
- National Science Foundation Center for Advanced Cement Based Materials
- Dow Chemical Foundation
- Materials Research Society
- Iron and Steel Society
- Peoria Chapter of the American Society for Metals