Curated OER
Condensation Polymerization
This organic chemistry lab activity is appropriate for teaching polymerization, percent yield, melting point, or the types and uses of polymer materials. Chemistry pupils imagine that they are working for a company to develop a special...
Curated OER
Polymerization of Nylon
High schoolers demonstrate how to create polymers from monomers. In this chemistry lesson, students describe the properties of the new nylon produced. They research about a polymer they chose.
Curated OER
How Are Polymers Utilized in Everyday Life?
Students identify the different types of polymers. For this chemistry lesson, students research information about an area of polymer science they chose. They create a PowerPoint presentation to share their findings in class.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Focus on Fabrics: Putting Materials to Good Use
The goal is for students to understand the basics of engineering associated with the use, selection, and properties of fabrics. A wide variety of natural and synthetic fibers are used in our clothing, home furnishings and in our travel...
Wikimedia
Wikipedia: Nylon
Wikipedia provides detailed information on nylon, a synthetic polymer. Includes nylon's uses, history, and products.
Wikimedia
Wikipedia: Plastic
Wikipedia offers all of the basic information one would need about the topic of plastic. Includes hyperlinked table of contents for easy site navigation.
Other
World of Molecules: Material Molecules
Investigate the three-dimensional structure of different types of material molecules.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mit: Inventor of the Week: Wallace Carothers
This site from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology contains information on Wallace Hume Carothers and his invention of nylon.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Chemistry: Materials
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Discussion of the design and production of new materials such as polymers and liquid crystals.
Other
Petrochemicals Europe: Discovery Timeline
Follow this timeline to learn about the development of the petrochemical industry and significant innovators in the creation of many of the products we take for granted.
Other
Doyle Sailmakers: Fiber Guide
Descriptions of the major fibers used in sail making. A decent introduction to the different fibers.
PBS
American Experience: Technology Timeline: 1752 1990
Short descriptions of important technological innovations produced in America and the date of their introduction.
Other
Cha, Inc.: Nylon Life Cycle
An in-depth presentation of the history of nylon chemistry. Brings you from the late twenties to the end of the century.
Other
Fibersource: Nylon Production
Good background on the production and chemical family information for nylon.
Other
American Plastics Council: The History of Plastics
This site from the American Plastics Council provides a brief history of all major developments of fibers and plastics including the early invention of rayon. Very interesting and informative, it also includes a timeline for easier...