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These resources have been reviewed and selected by STEM Learning’s team of education specialists for factual accuracy and relevance to teaching STEM subjects in UK schools.

Polymer properties

These diagnostic questions and response activities (contained in the zip file) support students in being able to:

  • Explain why a long molecule has a higher melting point than a similar but shorter molecule.

  • Recognise that a polymer molecule can be made up of thousands of atoms.

  • Describe how linear or branched molecules affect the mass of a given volume of polymer.

  • Explain how the addition of plasticisers between molecules can make a polymer softer and more flexible.

  • Explain how cross links between polymer molecules affect the properties of polymers.

The resources include details of common misconceptions and a summary of the research upon which the resources are based.

Download the zip file for all the questions and activities.

More resources like this can be found on the BEST webpage:  Best Evidence in Science Teaching

 

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