1. Form groups of 3 or 4.

2. On a sheet of paper, draw 4 quadrants.

3. Take the sticky notes with the items listed on them from the previous class and sort them into 4 categories. These can be any category you wish. 

4. Label each quadrant with a category.

5. Record each item under the category that you selected for it. 

Technology - the use of scientific knowledge to achieve practical goals in human life. It involves changing and manipulating the human environment to solve problems and improve our quality of life.

The prairies are made up of many farming communities. Farming involves a lot of chemistry since the advent of fertilizers. Originally being a lot of manual labour with little time for recreational activities. As we move through the past 150 years, you will find that many of the advances in technology related to how chemistry has made an impact on new inventions. 

Read page 6. 

With a partner, respond to your assigned question on the vertical writing space based on what you know.

1. How have technological advances impacted farming today?

2. What chemical advances have changed farming today compared to 150 years ago?

3. State two benefits chemical technological advances in farming have provided.

4. Why are manufactured fertilizers more effective than natural fertilizers?

5. What benefits do natural fertilizers provide to the soil that manufactured fertilizers do not?

6. Dusban™  is an insecticide that words byinterruputing the electrocheemeical process that nerves use to communicate with muscles and with one another. This product kills insects but can also damage the human brain and central nervous system. Why do farmers need to handle a pesticide like Dursban with Care?

In a coursel fashion, record the answers to the other questions when prompted to move to the next station.

ANSWERS

During the industrial revolution, there was an increasing demand for clothing by the middle class. Cotton was available, but not in the quantities that were demanded. More fabric options were needed. 

Audemars, a Swiss chemist, created the first artificial silk in the early 1800's. This lead to the invention of rayon which is used in many fabrics today. 

These synthetic fabrics led to the development of athletic fabrics and fleece. 

Although we continue to use natural forms of cloth, new ones have been developed in the chemistry lab. One example is nylon. When it was first developed, it did not have any use. One day, the chemists were playing a game to see how far the nylon material could stretch. They soon realized this silky material was strong; eventually being used to make ladies stockings. 

Other popular synthetic fibres include polyester, Gore Tex, and Kevlar. 

Lesson 1.2: Plastics Polymers, and Alloys

Everyday Chemistry Quick Inquiry 

1. Pick a Material (2 minutes):

   • Choose or receive a common material (e.g., toothpaste, plastic water bottle, detergent, nylon fabric, sunscreen).

   • Grab an index card or a half-sheet of paper.

2. Quick Inquiry (5 minutes):

   • On my card, I will answer the following questions:

     • What is this material primarily used for?

     • What are two or three key components that make up this material?

     • How do these components contribute to the function of the material?

3. Pair & Share (4 minutes):

   • I will find a partner and share my responses.

   • I will listen to my partner’s explanation and add one more fact or correction to their response.

4. Exit Ticket (4 minutes):

   • On your exit slip, I will write:

     • One way this material has improved daily life.

     • One potential downside or environmental concern about using this material.

5. Hand in for formative assessment.

Example 

1. Chosen material

Response (Toothpaste)

2. Quick Inquiry:

   1. What is this material primarily used for?

1. • Toothpaste is used for cleaning teeth, preventing cavities, and freshening breath.

2. 2. What are two key components that make up this material?

1. • Fluoride (Sodium Fluoride or Stannous Fluoride): Strengthens enamel and prevents cavities.

   • Abrasives (Calcium Carbonate or Silica): Helps remove plaque and stains from teeth.

2. 3. How do these components contribute to the function of the material?

1. • Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by strengthening enamel.

   • Abrasives physically scrub away food particles and stains for a cleaner surface.

3. Pair & Share Addition:

• My partner added: Detergents like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) help toothpaste foam and spread evenly.

4. Exit Ticket Response

✅ One way this material has improved daily life:

• Helps prevent cavities and promotes oral health, reducing the need for expensive dental treatments.

⚠️ One potential downside or environmental concern:

• Some toothpaste contains microplastics or triclosan, which can harm aquatic life when washed down the drain.

1.2: Plastics and Polymers