The NSF Center for Sustainable Polymers (CSP) collaborated with 4-H, the nation’s largest youth organization, to develop new activity guides on polymer science. The research expertise of the CSP served as the backbone to support informal science learning in a variety of 4-H settings. Using guided inquiry to offer sustained learning experiences for young audiences, the curriculum development team created content centered around material properties, uses of plastics, the problems associated with current plastics, and reducing/reusing materials. For older audiences in grades 6-8, youth are guided through action projects to become “change agents” in their local communities. For youth in grades 9-12, the curriculum provides learning on polymer science content as well as guides for teen engagement. Teens can participate in activities to develop their facilitation skills to teach younger youth or guided through activities to identify and plan a research project. In this session learn about 4-H, the polymer science curriculum, as well as professional development resources for adult facilitators.

4-H polymer science: Bringing sustainable polymers to informal science audiences in grades K-12

Fall 2022 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch in mid-September.

ACS Fall 2022

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