Suggested Reading: Polymers
Activity: Making Polymers
Objective
Students will make polymers and learn about properties of polymers.
Time
One class period
Materials for Polymer 1
-Cornstarch
-Water
-Zip lock plastic sandwich bags
-Measuring spoons
-Food coloring
-Paper plates
-Polymers 1 worksheet
Materials for Polymer 2
-White glue
-Borax
-Water
-Spoon or popsicle stick to stir
-Small plastic cups
-Food coloring
-Graduated cylinder
-Ruler
-Polymers 2 worksheet
Procedure
- Assign students to work in small groups of two or three.
- Assign groups to either make Polymer 1 or Polymer 2
- Pass out the appropriate worksheet to each small group. Have students work through the directions to make their polymer.
- Students should compare the polymer they made with someone who made the alternate polymer. Compare and contrast their properties.