Plastics the Second Time Around: The Physical Properties of Polymers

The Materials Science and Technology Teacher's Workshop (MAST) provides this lesson plan for students learning about polymers. The class will observe the physical properties of various plastics for rigidity, color, density and texture. The objective of the experiment is "to test and compare the physical properties of thermoplastic polymers." The procedure should take about 35-40 minutes of class time. Discussion questions and teacher notes are included.