The University of Michigan Math and Science Scholars program was established to introduce high school students to research in science and mathematics. During the two-week summer camp, students develop foundational skills in math and/or science with the aim of encouraging them to pursue higher education in these fields. We developed a course within this program that focuses on polymer science while simultaneously providing students with a basic understanding of organic chemistry. Entitled “Sustainable Polymers”, this course integrates discussions of the environmental impacts of polymers and ways in which researchers can develop more sustainable materials and methods. The course is constructed from this common thread and takes the students through practicing and then critiquing conventional recycling processes for petroleum-derived plastics. Next, students synthesize and examine the characteristics (e.g., molecular weight) of bioderived as well as synthetic sustainable polymers. The foundational skills learned include polymer synthesis and analysis, film fabrication, tensile strength testing, and chemical/enzymatic decomposition. Overall, the course has been met with positive feedback and provides the students with integral tools to expand their learning in polymer science and related fields.

Using a sustainability theme to introduce fundamentals of polymer chemistry to high school students

2019 Spring National Meeting

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