We present high school Advanced Placement Science students to a laboratory investigation into polymer chemistry. During this lab exploration, students first create a teacher-assisted polymer from potatoes. Students then work as chemical engineers to design, create, and test a plastic made from starch to meet specific criteria. Students will present their product to a panel with the goal to “sell” their design. This lab uses simple, non-inexpensive materials to create polymers. Over the span of five, 50 minute lab days, students create and refine their plastic, test both its quantitative and qualitative properties, conduct background research, and formulate an use and/or a plan for their product. The lesson not only leads students through the chemical engineering and design processes, it also makes them evaluate their plastic’s production costs and environmental effects. Additionally, students learn both written and oral presentation skills as they attempt to “sell” their product to a panel of investors.

Polymers from potatoes: A Shark Tank challenge

255th National Meeting (2018)

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