Cross Linked Polymers Module

Module Description:

This Cross-Linked Polymers module was created by the Center for Nanotechnology Education (Nano-Link). "This module allows students to investigate forces and interactions at the molecular scale by mixing different liquids with a cross-linked polymer." Science concepts covered in this module include electrostatic interactions, polymers, and molecular charge distribution (uniform and non-uniform). "Forces that act at the nanometer scale lead to observable macroscopic phenomena" is the main nanoscience concept covered in the module. Student outcomes of the module include gaining "... an appreciation and understanding of how different molecules have different charge densities or charge configurations and how those differenced result in different interactions with the polymer. The polymer/fluid system [will] have different physical attributes dependent upon the fluid."

Module Contents:

This module includes a lesson guide, video, PowerPoint presentation, and more. The 13-page guide includes background information about cross-linked polymers, a description of the module, lab instructions, ten discussion questions, and more. The short PowerPoint presentation also provides background information on cross-linked polymers. The video runs 01:30 minutes in length and includes a demonstration of the lab activity.

Versions in Spanish are also included for most of the module documents.

For orientation purposes Crosslink Polymer - Nano-Link.pdf is included as a separate attachment and offers a sample of the type of material included in this module. 

Below is a list of the files contained within the .zip attachments. The size of each file is included in parenthesis. 

Cross Link Polymer (6 files, 3.7 MB)

• Cross-Link Polymers Background Information (Cross-Link Polymers - Nano-Link.pptx 868 KB)
• Alignment of Cross-Linked Polymers Module to the Next Generation Science Standards (Cross-Link.pdf 634 KB)
• Cross-Linked Polymers Instructor Guide (Crosslink Polymer - Nano-Link.docx 536 KB)
• Cross Link and Rings Polymer - Example of Working Through a Nano-Link Module (CrossLink.pdf 1.5 MB)
• Grade Level Matrix (GradeLevelMatrix.jpg 90 KB)

Cross-Link (Spanish) (5 files, 7.2 MB)

• Polímeros entrecruzados o reticulados (Polímeros Reticulados - Nano-Link.docx 957 KB)
• Polímeros entrecruzados o reticulados (Polímeros Reticulados - Nano-Link.pdf 694 KB)
• (PPT - Polímeros Entrecruzados o Reticulados - Nano-Link.pdf 3.3 MB)
• (PPT - Polímeros Entrecruzados o Reticulados - Nano-Link.pptx 2.2 MB)