Learn how new STEM activity guides on polymer science were developed through an innovative collaboration between the NSF Center for Sustainable Polymers, a Center for Chemical Innovation, and 4-H, the nation’s largest youth organization. Educators from three states (MN, CA, NY) came together to develop activity modules using guided-inquiry that offer sustained learning experiences for young audiences. Centered on polymer science, the content includes topics such as: properties of materials, uses of plastics, problems identified with existing plastics, and reducing/reusing of materials. Activities also build upon the 8 Practices of Science and Engineering outlined in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and utilize gender-equitable best practices developed by PBS/TPT <i>SciGirls</i>. This project includes details on curriculum design and the evaluation of learning objectives through pilot tests. Completed curriculum developed for K-5 audiences will be shared with discussion of how the collaboration between the research center and informal science experts continues for the development of materials for grades 6-8 and 9-12.

Be a 4-H scientist: Bringing sustainable polymers to informal science audiences in grades K-8

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.