College-Mentored Polymer/Materials Science Modules for Middle and High School Students

• Robert G. Lorenzini ^[1] ; Maurica S. Lewis ^[2] ; Jin Kim Montclare ^[1]
  1. [1] Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Polytechnic Institute of New York University, United States
  2. [2] Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Polytechnic Institute of New York University, United States
• Localización: Journal of chemical education, ISSN 0021-9584, Vol. 88, Nº 8, 2011, págs. 1105-1108
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • Polymers are materials with vast environmental and economic ramifications, yet are generally not discussed in secondary education science curricula. We describe a program in which college mentors develop and implement hands-on, polymer-related experiments to supplement a standard, state regents-prescribed high school chemistry course, as well as a middle school elective course on polymers. Interactive experimentation and feedback-oriented design are highlighted as critical elements to the success of the program. The experiments have been executed in two vastly different institutions: a New York City magnet high school for underprivileged females, and a private middle school for privileged male and female students; the similarities and differences are juxtaposed.