ERIC Number: EJ1269359
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020-Aug
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0021-9584
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Short Course on Sustainable Polymers for High School Students
Fagnani, Danielle E.; Hall, Ariana O.; Zurcher, Danielle M.; Sekoni, Kikelomo N.; Barbu, Brianna N.; McNeil, Anne J.
Journal of Chemical Education, v97 n8 p2160-2168 Aug 2020
A two-week summer camp for high school students focused on sustainable polymers was developed and implemented. Students took part in experiments and interactive lessons that demonstrate polymer chemistry fundamentals alongside associated sustainability challenges and opportunities. For example, polymer concepts related to chemical properties (reactivity, structural architecture, molecular weight) and physical properties (density, tensile strength, thermal properties) were discussed, as well as how these properties affect materials' recyclability and degradability. Teaching these important concepts to students is especially timely given the global plastic waste dilemma. Responses to postcourse surveys suggest that students were intellectually engaged while gaining practical laboratory and research skills, broadening their understanding of polymer chemistry and sustainability, and becoming prepared for post high school studies.
Descriptors: Science Instruction, Secondary School Science, High School Students, Summer Programs, Camps, Plastics, Sustainability, Science Experiments, Chemistry, Scientific Concepts, Student Attitudes
Division of Chemical Education, Inc. and ACS Publications Division of the American Chemical Society. 1155 Sixteenth Street NW, Washington, DC 20036. Tel: 800-227-5558; Tel: 202-872-4600; e-mail: eic@jce.acs.org; Web site: http://pubs.acs.org/jchemeduc
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Secondary Education; High Schools
Audience: Teachers
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A