Student Reports:

• Goal:

  To learn more about the history of polymers, people who discovered polymers and the uses of polymers--both natural and synthetic.

• Project:

  Using information from the class textbook, other books, the library, the World Wide Web or first person interviews with scientists who work in polymer research develop a presentation for the class on polymers.

  Students may work with a partner or partners (3 people is the largest group allowed).

• Possible Topics:

  • The life of Carrothers (discovered Nylon) or other people who made polymer discoveries
  • The discover of various polymers--polyester, Nylon, Rayon, Acrylonitrile or synthetic rubber
  • The Polymer Industry--historical or economic approach
  • Uses of polymers in industry, consumer goods, biomedical reseach
  • Natural polymers--DNA, starch or vitamins

• Presentation:

  Students will be allowed 10 minutes to teach their topic to the class. Students may use the overhead, the board, VCR or the computer. These presentations can be very straight forward--as if giving a presentation to fellow researchers, or they can involve demonstrations or creative presentations. As long as the necessary information is presented--students are free to make any style of presentation.

• Deadline:

  10 days from the assignment of the project.

• Sample grade form:

  1. _____ Completed on time (5 points)
  2. _____ Thoroughness of research (10 points)
  3. _____ Bibliography or citations from the World Wide Web (5 points)
  4. _____ Creativity (5 points)
  5. _____ Accuracy of information (5 points)
  6. _____ Organization and completeness (3 points)
  7. _____ Participation in group (2 points) (To be scored by members of the group.)