Contextualization

Polymers are large molecules, formed from smaller units, the monomers. The word "polymer" comes from the Greek, poly (many) + mero (parts). Polymer Chemistry studies the synthesis, structure, and properties of these materials. Polymers are ubiquitous in our daily lives, found in materials as varied as plastics, rubbers, fibers, adhesives, paints, among others.

Polymer chemistry involves very important topics such as petrochemistry, plastic production, environmental degradation, and the development of sustainable solutions. Polymers can be classified as natural and synthetic, with natural ones being produced by living beings, such as proteins and starches, and synthetic ones being produced in petroleum processing industries.

In the 21st century, materials science, especially synthetic polymers, allows for a series of technological innovations, creating new materials with unique properties. As scientists and citizens, understanding how these materials are made, how they work, and how they impact our world is essential.

Atividade Prática

Activity Title: "Polymers in Everyday Life: A Multidisciplinary Analysis"

Project Objectives

1. Understand polymer chemistry: what they are, how they are formed, polymer classes, and their properties.
2. Recognize the presence and importance of polymers in everyday life.
3. Identify sources of polymer pollution and propose solutions to reduce waste.
4. Integrate the study of polymer chemistry with the Geography discipline, analyzing the impact of polymers on nature and society.

Detailed Project Description

Groups of 3 to 5 students should conduct a detailed study on polymers, from their theoretical aspects to their applications in everyday life and their impact on the environment. In addition to the theoretical study, the group should analyze everyday products containing polymers and investigate the companies that produce them.

Materials

1. Notebooks or notepads for research and recording.
2. Equipment for online research (computer, tablet, smartphone)
3. Everyday products containing polymers.

Step by Step

1. Study polymer chemistry using books, websites, and videos suggested in the Study Resources section.
2. Each group should select 6 everyday items containing polymers. Ex: food packaging, toys, clothes, etc.
3. Research the companies that manufacture the selected items, identify the types of polymers used and their properties.
4. Investigate and discuss the environmental impact of the production and disposal of these products.
5. Integrating with the Geography discipline, analyze the social and economic impacts of polymer production and use.
6. Finally, the group should propose solutions to reduce the impact of polymer waste on nature.

Project Deliverables

Each group must present a written report that includes:

1. Introduction: At this point, students should introduce the topic, discussing the importance and application of polymers in our daily lives and the project objectives.
2. Development: In this section, students should detail the theory behind polymers and discuss in detail the activities they carried out, presenting the selected products and researched companies, the characteristics of the identified polymers, and the environmental, social, and economic impacts associated with these products.
3. Conclusion: Here, students should summarize their main points, express what they learned from the activity, and the conclusions drawn from the project. They should also discuss the proposed solutions to the issue of polymer waste and explain how these solutions can be implemented in the reality of their community.
4. Bibliography: Indication of the sources that supported the project development, such as books, web pages, videos, etc.

The report should be written clearly and organized, with an emphasis on complete documentation of the research and analysis conducted.

Each project will be presented to the class, followed by a question and answer session. The report and presentation will be evaluated both for the quality of the content and for the effectiveness in communicating the information.