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IPSE Polymer Activities

What do milk and the milk container have in common? Both contain polymers! You may or may not have heard of polymers before, but they are actually an important part of our lives.

The following activities explore the many types, uses, and properties of polymers. We hope you enjoy these activities and do them together as a family.

	Build Your Own Polymer Model What do polymers look like? In this activity, you can build your own paper clip and clay (or Play DohTM) models of the different types of polymers. What is different about the properties of “paperclip” polymers from the properties of “clay” polymers? doc/pdf
	What's the Difference? Where are polymers in your home? The recycling codes listed on many items on your home are useful for more than just sorting your recycling. They also can be used to identify different types of polymers! doc/pdf
	Packing Peanuts Are packing peanuts polymers? In this activity, you can make your own cornstarch packing peanuts. You also can observe what makes your cornstarch packing peanuts different from the polyurethane packing peanuts we are familiar with. doc/pdf
	Six Pack Rings Exploration Are polymers permanent? Six pack rings are a great example of a polymer product that has received plenty of attention about its impact on the environment. In this activity you can examine how different conditions affect six pack rings over time. doc/pdf

	Treasure Hunt What in your own home is made of polymers? Just take a good look around! In this activity you can go on a hunt around the house for all the different types. On some items you can use the recycling codes to find out exactly what kind of polymer it is! doc/pdf
	What Keeps the Baby Dry? Do diapers contain polymers? Actually, polymers are a very important part of modern diapers! The entire diaper is not made of polymers, however, and in this activity you can separate out the diaper polymers and see its special properties. doc/pdf