Chemistry of Materials: Teacher Links
Third Edition
Materials unit is part of SEPUP’s Issues and Science three-year Middle School program. Each unit of the program incorporates science and engineering concepts and practices with current issues.
Materials
Learning Pathway Diagrams for this unit:
MS-PS1-1, MS-PS1-3, MS-PS1-4
Activity 2
Investigating Elements
Visit the sites below to view the Periodic Table of Elements.
• Chemical Elements has an interactive Periodic Table of the Elements
• Los Alamos National Laboratory Periodic Table of the Elements
• IUPAC – International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry: Periodic Table of the Elements
Click on “Periodic Table of the Elements” to download the latest version of the table approved by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemists (IUPAC).
Activity 8
What’s in a State?
States of Matter Simulation
Investigate the movement of atoms and molecules within gases, liquids, and solids using the simulations on this site.
Activity 11
Making Polymers
American Chemistry Council
Every week this site is updated with “new innovations in plastics that contribute to sustainability, safety, longer lives and better performance.”
Environmental Health News
This page has an article on the environmental toll of plastics.
Ecology Center Plastics Report
Common misconceptions related to plastic production and recycling are explained on this webpage.
Scientific American
An article on how plastics are versatile materials but they can harm the environment and human health.
Plastics Industry
A webpage that discusses plastics and the environment.
Plastic Pros & Cons
This website discusses many of the postive and negative aspects of plastics.
Environmental Health
The chemicals in plastics and their affect on human health are discussed on this page.
Great Pacific Garbage Patch
This article discusses recent estimates for the size of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, which is composed mostly of plastic debris.
Activity 13
The Impact of Plastics on Society
Improving Hip Replacements
Learn how materials scientists developed improved plastics for hip replacements.
Plastic Pollutants Pervade Water and Land
An article on the effects of plastics on different ecosystems.