Chemistry of Materials: Student Links
Third Edition
Science as a Human Endeavor
To learn more about the interests and accomplishments of diverse scientists and engineers, and how people with varied backgrounds contribute to and depend on the advancement of science and technology, visit the links below.
Materials
Ainissa G. Ramirez
Ramirez is a materials engineer dedicated to communicating science to all people in ways that are fun and interesting.
Angela Belcher
Belcher’s lab engineers organisms and viruses to make hybrid organic-inorganic materials, such as solar cells and batteries.
Mary Sherman Morgan
Morgan invented the liquid fuel Hydyne in 1957, which powered the Jupiter-C rocket that boosted the United States’ first satellite, Explorer 1.
Narinder Singh Kapany
Dr. Kapany is considered to be the father of fiber optics in Silicon Valley, revolutionizing modern communication.
Activity 2
Investigating Elements
Visit the sites below to view the Periodic Table of Elements.
• Chemical Elements has an interactive Periodic Table of the Elements
• Los Alamos National Laboratory Periodic Table of the Elements
• IUPAC – International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry: Periodic Table of the Elements
Click on “Periodic Table of the Elements” to download the latest version of the table approved by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemists (IUPAC).
Activity 8
What’s in a State?
States of Matter Simulation
Investigate the movement of atoms and molecules within gases, liquids, and solids.
Activity 11
Making Polymers
American Chemistry Council
Every week this site is updated with “new innovations in plastics that contribute to sustainability, safety, longer lives and better performance.”
Environmental Health News
This page has an article on the environmental toll of plastics.
Ecology Center Plastics Report
Common misconceptions related to plastic production and recycling are explained on this webpage.
Scientific American
An article on how plastics are versatile materials but they can harm the environment and human health.
Plastics Industry
A webpage that discusses plastics and the environment.
Plastic Pros & Cons
This website discusses many of the postive and negative aspects of plastics.
Great Pacific Garbage Patch
This article discusses recent estimates for the size of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, which is composed mostly of plastic debris.
Activity 13
The Impact of Plastics on Society
Improving Hip Replacements
Learn how materials scientists developed improved plastics for hip replacements.
Plastic Pollutants Pervade Water and Land
An article on the effects of plastics on different ecosystems.