By: Jim and Julie Ealy, Retired, The Peddie School, Hightstown, NJ
The Mystery Nylon Factory Polymer Chemistry Demonstration Kit is super to discuss polymer concepts. Solutions are combined before dipping in a paperclip. Remove the paperclip, and, if almost by magic, a strand of nylon is attached.
Two solutions are poured together in a beaker. A paper clip is lowered into the solution. As the paper clip is withdrawn, almost by magic a very long strand of nylon is pulled from the beaker. A super demonstration to discuss polymer concepts. Teacher Demonstration Notes included.
Concepts: Polymerization, organic chemistry. Time Required: 15 minutes Note: Perform this demonstration in a fume hood or well-ventilated lab.
Correlation to Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
Science & Engineering Practices
Obtaining, evaluation, and communicating information
Disciplinary Core Ideas
MS-PS1.A: Structure and Properties of Matter HS-PS1.A: Structure and Properties of Matter
Crosscutting Concepts
Structure and function
Performance Expectations
MS-PS1-3. Gather and make sense of information to describe that synthetic materials come from natural resources and impact society.
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Mystery Nylon Factory