All Polymers articles – Page 4
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The MoleHigh hopes for hydrogels
It’s amazing what chemists can do with a jelly-like material that’s mostly water, says Bea Perks
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Experiment
Experiments with hydrogels – plant water storage crystals
In this activity students investigate plant water storage crystals, a product that contains hydrogels – polymeric smart materials. The practical work is fun, and the results easy to see.
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Experiment
Experiments with hydrogels – hair gel and disposable nappies
In these activities students investigate hydrogels – polymeric smart materials. They are found in many products, including disposable nappies and hair gel. The practical is fun to do and the results dramatic.
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Experiment
PVA polymer slime
In this fun class experiment student will make slime by adding borax solution to PVA. Includes kit list and safety instructions.
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Resource
Large molecules
The Inspirational chemistry chapter ‘Large molecules’. This chapter suggests games, activities, practicals and demonstrations for teaching various topics, such as polmers, emulsifiers and textile conservation.
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Resource
Polymer puzzles
This activity is designed to develop the students’ higher order thinking – particularly critical thinking skills – in the context of problem solving. It should help students to recall the facts about some common polymers.
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Resource
The plastic that came out of thin air
The story of Roy Plunkett and the discovery of Teflon® (polytetrafluoroethene) can be used to show that many things in science were discovered accidentally.
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Resource
Plastics conservation - Barbie and friends
This resource provides the essential knowledge needed to keep plastic pieces in the best possible condition so that they can continue to be enjoyed for many years.
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Experiment
Making rayon
Create your own rayon fibres using cellulose in the form of cotton wool or filter paper.
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Experiment
Phenol-methanal polymerisiation
Create and investigate the properties of Bakelite (the first genuine synthetic polymer) by dissolving phenol in a mixture of aqueous methanal and ethanoic acid to make the polymer.
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Experiment
Disappearing plastic
Solve the mysterious disappearance of expanded polystyrene that was placed in propanone – and investigate the clue of the ‘fizzing’ gas bubbles.
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Resource
Organic chemistry infographics
A collection of visually stimulating and informative infographics covering various topics of organic chemistry. These would be a valuable addition to any science classroom.
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Resource
Other infographics
A collection of visually stimulating and informative infographics that cover a wide variety of topics. These infographics would make a valuable addition to any science classroom. Topics include: the science of sunscreen; what the chemical composition of smartphones and British coins are; and potential indicators of ‘bad science’ ...
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Review
Teaching through polymers
Introduction of macromolecular science/polymeric materials into the foundational course in organic chemistry
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The Mole
Polished polymers
Tom Husband explains how varnishing your nails is more like making plastic than painting
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Exhibition chemistry
Perturbed polymers
Declan Fleming shows you how to capture your students’ imaginations with spectacular demonstrations
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The Mole
Trade secrets... Print your world
Secrets of the trade: Jonathan Hare gets hands-on with the 3D printing revolution
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Resource
ChemTube3D: Polymers
This section provides an interactive 3D experience with many different polymers and demonstrates the key features of each one.
