Begin your journey by finding out exactly what is a polymer.  If you don't understand atoms, elements and molecules you may want to check that out first. Think you understand it?  Try making a virtual polymer.  Polyetheylene is a synthetic polymer while a protein is a natural polymer.  Natural polymers are those polymers we find in nature check out Paul's Treehouse to find out more.  While there don't forget to find out the two most common natural polymers in the whole world.  Synthetic polymers, since they do not occur in nature, must be man-made.  Check out these synthetic polymers - some made from natural materials - but "improved" others completely man-made.  Now you are ready to explore the Kinds of Polymers gallery.  Wow!  there are lots of polymers.  My favorite is polytetrafluoroethylene.  I just love that name - see if you can find it's common name. 

So, if you're at the mall, where can you go to find a polymer?  Check out the stores at Paul's Mall.  Did I see a food court there?

Now that you know the basics, there are a few things you may want to know before we experiment with polymers.  First, what are some ways to test polymers their strength and toughness?  Read and find out.  You may need these ideas in lab on Saturday.  Also we will be making some crosslinked polymers.  So check out what we mean by crosslinking in polymers. 

There is much more on this site to explore if you have time or you just want to do it.