Introduction to Plastics Science Teaching Resources
It is important for teachers to have a thorough understanding of the concepts
behind the inquiry-based activities provided in this science teaching resources kit before attempting
an activity in the lab or presenting these concepts to students.
The Introduction to Plastics area of our website is divided into sections. Below you will find links to each of these sections.
**For a detailed description of the purpose and objectives of this
online science teaching activity kit, please visit the Getting
Started section of our website if you have not already done so.
Background Information for Teachers
It takes time to
review chemical industry literature to answer some very basic questions
posed by middle level students. The chemical structures, identification,
and forms of plastics are just three of the topics discussed as a quick
reference to help in your teaching of plastics. While it is not
intended for students to be required to learn this material they may
become interested in this technology and want more information quickly.
Click on the following link to go to the Background
Information for Teachers section.
Similar to the background
information for teachers area above, this shortened student version
may be printed and used as a classroom handout. Click on the link to
go to the Background Information for Students
section.
Background
Information for Students
SAFETY
The Hands On Plastics™ kits contain information about demonstration experiments, which are potentially dangerous. This information is directed at qualified teachers. Experiments suggested in this kit should only be performed with appropriate supervision.
The background information for teachers and students on plastics and polymers was compiled by Melanie R. Stewart, Ph.D. for The Ohio Academy of Science. ACC gratefully acknowledges the contributions of the Akron Public Schools for development of early materials.
