The purpose of this activity is to bring the students in contact with the incredible abilities and diversity of synthetic polymers. This activity calls for students to research a synthetic polymer on their own and present their findings in one of three forms: a paper, a poster, or a presentation. While the Student Version calls for the students to be divided into teams of three, each with one member preparing a paper, a poster, and a presentation, you may choose other ways of carrying out this activity. Below is a list of some polymers you may assign your student. Each polymer name is a link to more information about that polymer, which you can use to check the student reports.

Polymer	Monomer(s)	Uses
poly(ethylene terephthalate)	ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid	plastics, fibers, films
polyethylene	ethylene	plastics, fibers
polypropylene	propylene	plastics, fibers
polystyrene	styrene	hard plastic, foam
polyacrylonitrile	acrylonitrile	acrylic fibers
polycyanoacrylates	cyanoacrylates	"super" glues, surgical adhesives
polyvinylpyrrolidone	vinylpyrrolidone	hair spray, blood plasma extender
poly(methyl methacrylate)	methyl methacrylate	plastic, motor oil additive
polybutadiene	butadiene	synthetic rubber
polyisobutylene	isobutylene	synthetic rubber
polychloroprene	chloroprene	oil-resistant synthetic rubber
polycarbonate	bisphenol A and phosgene	clear plastic
poly(vinylidene chloride)	vinylidene chloride	plastic films
silicones	cyclotetrasiloxanes	synthetic rubber, plastics, shampoo thickeners

Relevant National Science Education Standards

Physical Science — Students are required to know the molecular structure of their assigned polymer and the monomers that are reacted chemically to produce the polymer.

Science and Technology — The students are required to know the uses of their assigned polymers and the natural materials they replaced.

History and Nature of Science — The students are asked to know who invented their assigned polymers and when they were invented.