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Observe the polymerization of nylon with this fun and easy demonstration. The nylon rope trick engages students in organic chemistry and opens the door to a discussion about polymer synthesis, properties, and its many applications. This demonstration requires approximately 15 min, and materials are sufficient for it to be performed 5 times.

• Synthesize an organic polymer from 2 colorless solutions
• Engage students in polymer chemistry
• Learn about the many real-world and career applications of organic chemistry

Perform the popular nylon rope trick with this fun and easy demonstration. Students are first introduced to polymer chemistry and the many applications of nylon. Engage students in a discussion of different types of polymers in the fields of chemistry and the biological sciences. Based on prior knowledge, students make a prediction of what they think will happen during the demonstration. Then, combine 2 colorless solutions to create a strand of polymer that seems to have no end. Students use words and pictures to explain on a molecular level what happened in the polymerization reaction, and big-picture questions encourage critical thinking about the underlying scientific concepts. This demonstration requires approximately 15 min, and materials in the kit are sufficient for it to be performed 5 times.

NOTE: Instructions for this kit are based on the predict, observe, explain (POE) model. POE is primarily used in science classes. Specifically, POE has optimal effects when paired with demonstrations that allow students to make and record observations and then follow those observations with explanations.

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