 University |
K-5 Hands-On Physical Science Activities Related to POLYMERS
presented by the MATR Institute,
a National Science Foundation program in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
1
National Science Standards
Safety Bugs
Here, you the teacher can judge for yourself, based on the National Science Standards which exercises are best for your students.
Participants will learn that safety awareness in science classes can lead to less fear, more fun, and a safer learning environment.
Learning To Use a Classification Key
Properties of Matter - Solids Investigation
Students will be able to identify chemicals used in household products.
Students will be able to use MSDSs to identify hazardous components of commonly used household products.
Students will be able to classify solids into groups with similar properties e.g., color, size, texture, malleability, resiliency, and optical properties.
Students will be able to conduct tests on solids to determine their density, and reactions with an acid and a base.
Students will be able to record observations in a data table.
Matter In Motion
Spaces In Matter
Students will demonstrate the relationship between temperature and the speed at which the molecules are moving.
Students will observe that there are spaces in matter.
The students will also be able to measure and record their observations.
Which Take Up More Space?
There Is No "Away"
Students will be able to observe changes in states of matter in relation to the amount of space they occupy
The student will demonstrate knowledge of a sanitary/solid waste landfill by listing advantages and disadvantages of landfill.
The student will design and construct a model of a landfill.
The student will gain appreciation for the role of landfills in reducing waste.
Density Tubes
Slimy Polymers
Determine the relative densities of water, alcohol, and cooking oil.
Determine where different recycled materials would settle in given liquids.
Apply newly learned information to create a density tube.
Students will observe, measure, classify, and collect data as they investigate the introduction of cross linking and additives in polymers.
The Gym Shoe Corporation
"Honey, I Broke The Capsule!"
Students will apply observations from their previous slime experiments to a "real world" scenario. They will simulate a company which designs soles for athletic shoes to meet certain needs.
Students will also practice cooperative learning and communication skills.
Through the use of the senses and polymer examples, students will gain an understanding of micro-encapsulation found in their everyday life.
Polymer Models
"POLY"mer, The Indicator Worm
Students will be able to define the term "polymer."
Students will develop an awareness of polymer in our everyday lives.
Students will develop an understanding of polymer structures through the use of models.
Students will identify household substances as acids or bases.
Plastic Formations of All Kinds
Thermoplastics and Thermosets
The student will demonstrate the ability to blow mold, injection mold, and extrude plastics into shapes.
The student will be able to differentiate between the different methods used to mold plastic.
The student will be able to list the various characteristics of shaping plastic.
Students will observe the difference between thermoplastics and thermosets.
The lessons listed in this area are general procedures to be used by teachers
developing polymer-related classroom activities. They are to be modified, expanded, and customized by teachers prior to use in their classrooms.These activities were not designed to be used directly by students.
Each of the activities was developed, written, and edited by grade level teachers working in conjunction with guest presenters and chemistry department faculty during MATR Institute sessions at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
They are all in .pdf format.Teacher-developed and student-tested
Use readily available materials
© POLYED National Information Center for Polymer Education
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Department of Chemistry
Stevens Point, WI 54481
715-346-3703
polyed@uwsp.edu
www.polyed.org