SNC2D - Chemistry - Independent Research Project
Products that we use everyday such as plastics, detergents and synthetic fabrics were created by
applying chemistry knowledge. These products are artificially made by the chemical industry; usually
from hydrocarbons. Understanding how chemical reactions can lead to new products and technological
processes is a key expectation in this unit.
You will research the production, use, and environmental/societal impact of a synthetic chemical, and
present your research with a 5 paragraph, typed essay. Your essay must include an introduction, body,
conclusion and bibliography.
Project Organization:
Due Date: _____________________
Introduction:
- Introduce the topic and indicate major areas of research/importance
Chemistry:
- What is the chemical name, formula and structure of the synthetic substance?
- What is the chemical reaction that produces this substance (equation format if possible)
- Where do the raw materials (reactants) come from?
- How is the synthetic substance made?
- What are some products made from this substance?
Advantages and Disadvantages:
- What are some advantages of using this synthetic substance as compared to using natural materials?
- Are there any disadvantages of using the synthetic substance rather than natural ones?
Safety and the Environment
- Describe any safety issues regarding the use or manufacturing of the substance
- Describe any environmental issues that may result from manufacturing or using this product.
Possible Topic Ideas:
Teflon
Kevlar
Polyester (PES)
Vinyl
Nylon
Plexiglas
Canvas
Polyethylene terephthatate(PET)
Polyethylene (PE)
Styrofoam
Spandex
High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
Acetaminophen
Aspirin
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE)
Vulcanized rubber
Celluloid
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Rayon
Silicone
Polyurethane (PU)
Stainless steel
Epoxy
Neoprene
Mylar
Polypropylene(PP)
Polycarbonate (PC)
Scotch guard
Pyrex
Melamine formaldehyde (MF)
Detergent
Borax
Polyetheretherketone (PEEK)
Phenol
Gasoline
Polystyrene (PS)
Acetone
Butane
Trinitrotoluene (TNT)
References (3-5)
*** DO NOT COPY AND PASTE INFORMATION, USE YOUR OWN WORDS***
For websites: Author, A. A. (date of publication). Document Title. Retrieved from URL
Example:
Reddick, A. & Boucher, C. (2002). Tracking the dual digital divide. Retrieved July 26, 2007, from
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/hip/lld/olt/Skills_Development/OLTResarch/tracking_dual_digital_divide.shtml
Teflon
Kevlar
Polyester (PES)
Vinyl
Nylon
Polyethylene terephthatate(PET)
Plexiglas
Canvas
Polyethylene (PE)
Styrofoam
Spandex
High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
Acetaminophen
Aspirin
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE)
Vulcanized rubber
Celluloid
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Rayon
Silicone
Polyurethane (PU)
Stainless steel
Epoxy
Polypropylene(PP)
Neoprene
Mylar
Polycarbonate (PC)
Scotch guard
Pyrex
Melamine formaldehyde (MF)
Detergent
Borax
Polyetheretherketone (PEEK)
Phenol
Gasoline
Polystyrene (PS)
Acetone
Butane
Trinitrotoluene (TNT)
Synthetic Chemical Essay Research Organizer
Name:_________________________
1) Assign a number to each website visited. Next to the specific information in the table below, record the number of
the website where it came from.
2) You will require at least 3 reliable sources of information.
3) This sheet will be checked at the end of the period and submitted with your essay.
4) If your research is not completed during this computer lab session, you must print out any extra information you gather
on your own time, and staple it to this page.
Paragraph
Introduction



Introduce main
topic of essay
‘Hook’ reader
Thesis
Main Points / Research / Facts / Statistics



P2




Chemistry
Formulas
Equation


P3

Advantages
Disadvantages



P4


Safety
Environment





Conclusion

Main points to
restate


Record the following information for each website on the back of this page.
Website #1
Website: _________________________________________________________________________
Author: _________________________________________________________________________
Document Title: ___________________________________________________________________
Date information was published: ______________________________________________________
Date information was accessed: ______________________________________________________
Website
Number