What makes soccer balls bounce and fly off your foot? Have you ever tried to look inside? The central focus of soccer is the ball, so this is where we will start. We will dissect a soccer ball to learn about each of the different layers, which will serve as an introduction to different types of polymeric materials and their specific properties. Students will separate these materials and perform basic mechanical tests to understand the function they impart to the ball. The lessons will include where and how polymers are made with green poly(ethylene) (PE) used as a case study.

Learn about the life cycle of common polymer materials, novel recyclable materials, and the chemistry underlying these processes.

Polymers are everywhere! Learn what they are, how they're made and how they're recycled. We will also make silly putty for an interactive demo.