Tuesday, July 1, 2008: 10:10 AM-12:00 PM
Emerald I (Sheraton Burlington Hotel and Conference Center)
Polymers: An Interactive Hands-on Workshop
FUNdamentals of polymeric materials [plastics, rubber, paints, fibers, and natural materials from DNA to cellulose]. Try simple labs and strategies for demonstrations and lecture. A CD of supplemental material will be provided. Polymers: They stretch, they bend, they stick or ooze, and sometimes they bounce or splat! Learn to s-t-r-e-t-c-h and bend YOUR student’s minds. This hands-on workshop has both captivating demonstrations and activities, and the science behind the "fun" of polymers. We'll have a brief introduction to polymer science: Why these fascinating materials have the properties they do; natural vs human-made polymers; their importance to our way of life; how they are produced, manufactured, and recycled. Participants will try simple, low-cost demonstrations and other activities to pique student's interest. Learn why some plastic films shrink on heating. Why cookie-dough climbs up the beaters. Why some shampoos slink out of their bottle. Why rubber balls bounce, or don't. With each activity, web-pages with further information and classroom ideas will be displayed. Discussion will center on how to introduce students to polymer FUNdamentals at your very next class. Besides being vital to our modern world, polymers are appropriate for a wide range of students because of their intriguing properties, easy availability and the nontoxic nature of the materials involved. Polymers provide students with real-life links from your classroom. You should be prepared to devote two hours to this activity. Spaces are limited and priority will be given to teachers and home school parents.
Sponsor:	Intersociety Polymer Education Council (IPEC)
Workshop Leader:	Lynn Higgins

Back to The Northeast Regional Meeting (NERM) (June 29 - July 2, 2008)