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The Polymer Workshop

Plastic bottles, non-stick pans, even your own DNA are all polymers: giant molecules built from small repeating units. Build them up, link uses to properties, and weigh the cost of the plastics we throw away.

⏱️ 16 min 🎯 14 activities Teachers Not yet rated Students Not yet rated

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What you'll cover

Giant molecules 🧪

A **polymer** is a very long molecule built from many small repeating units joined together. The small units are called **monomers**. Plastics like poly(ethene), non-stick coatings, and even natural molecules such as DNA and starch are all polymers.

Words to know 🔑

Four terms run through this module:

Two ways to build a polymer ⚖️

Monomers can be joined in **two** ways. Addition is the Foundation core; condensation is a Higher-tier extension.

The building block 🎯

What is a monomer?

  • A small molecule that joins to make a polymer
  • A finished long-chain polymer
  • A type of metal
  • A gas given off when plastic burns

Match each polymer to its use 🔗

  • Poly(ethene)
  • PVC
  • PTFE
  • Poly(propene)
  • Flexible, used for bags and bottles
  • Tough and insulating, used for pipes and cables
  • Non-stick, used to coat pans
  • Strong, used for crates and ropes

The trouble with plastics ⚠️

Most polymers are made from crude oil, a **finite** resource. They do not break down, so they persist in landfill for a very long time. Burning them can release toxic gases, and before they can be recycled they must be sorted into different types, which takes time and money.

What is the cost? ✅

Select the TWO problems caused by polymers.

  • They are made from finite crude oil
  • They persist in landfill without breaking down
  • They rot away harmlessly within days
  • They are made from renewable sunlight

Build a polymer chain 🪜

An interactive activity.

Match each substance to what it is 🔀

  • Poly(ethene)
  • A polyester
  • Starch
  • DNA
  • An addition polymer from one monomer
  • A condensation polymer from two monomers
  • A natural polymer found in food
  • A natural polymer that carries genetic information

Spot the difference 💡

How is condensation polymerisation different from addition polymerisation?

  • It uses two different monomers and releases a small molecule
  • It uses one monomer and makes no by-product
  • It does not form a polymer at all
  • It only works with metals

Polymers in words 🧩

A polymer is a long molecule made from many repeating _____ units. When many ethene molecules join with no by-product, this is called _____ polymerisation, forming poly(ethene). Most polymers are made from crude _____, a finite resource, and they do not easily _____ in landfill. Natural polymers include starch, protein and _____.

monomer addition oil decay DNA polymer condensation water dissolve protein

Spot the true statements 🖍️

An interactive activity.

Name the process 🧭

An interactive activity.

Explain and evaluate ✍️

An interactive activity.