More than half of all chemists work on some aspect of polymers. For high school teachers who want to introduce polymer science basics, properties, and uses, this book is uniquely helpful--much deeper than simple monographs or collections of experiments, but much more accessible than college texts. Divided into four sections, Polymer Chemistry starts with a broad overview of synthetic and natural polymers and then covers polymers' synthesis and preparation; common methods for processing them into useful objects; and demonstrations and experiments dealing with polymer synthesis, solutions and gels, and solid-state properties. In addition to the science, this book includes an engaging history of polymers and issues on their disposal. For environmental science teachers, the comprehensive chapter on recycling, degradation, and disposal of polymers is invaluable. And all teachers will benefit from the introduction. Written by a fellow science teacher, it provides creative chapter-by-chapter techniques for using the book in AP chemistry, and even basic high school chemistry. As the title says, polymer chemistry is an indispensable science--and Polymer Chemistry is an indispensable resource on the topic. The table of contents is divided into the following 4 sections (1) Introduction; (2) Synthesis and Properties; (3) Making Useful Materials; and (4) Demonstrations and Experiments.