This unit is one of a series developed by the Australian Science Education Project (ASEP) for use by students at the junior secondary level (grades 7-10) in Australian schools. The unit is a trial version dealing with polymers, and may be used independently or integrated into a sequential program with other units. All students complete the activities in the core section of the unit, and then select from six optional sections according to their interests and levels of cognitive development. This allows students to progress at different rates and at different levels of operation. The basic aim of the unit is to acquaint students with the great variety of polymers that play a part in their lives. Wherever possible, first-hand experience is gained through student activities and experiments. Many synthetic polymers (such as plastics and fibers) are examined, and the natural polymers casein, wool, and rubber are briefly described. A Teacher's Guide provides an overview of the unit, summaries and possible outcomes of each section, references and audiovisual materials, and relates the core and each optional section to the appropriate reading levels and stages of development of the students. (JR)