Enjoy any 5 free lessons!
You can pick. No account needed.
Watch VideoBecome a member to get full access to our entire library of learning videos, reading material, quiz games, simple DIY activities & more.
Become a member to get full access to our entire library of learning videos, quiz games, & more.
Plans & Pricingto watch this full video.
Access All Videos
and Lessons, No Limits.
Access All Videos
No credit card required,
takes 7 sec to signup.
No card required
Ready-to-go lessons
that save you time.
Ready-to-go lessons
If you are on a school computer or network, ask your tech person to whitelist these URLs:
*.wistia.com, fast.wistia.com, fast.wistia.net, embedwistia-a.akamaihd.net
Sometimes a simple refresh solves this issue. If you need further help, contact us.
Synthetic Materials
- Show lesson plan & teacher guide
- Show answers to discussion questions
- Show video only
- Allow visiting of other pages
- Hide assessments
- Synthetic materials are made by humans.
- All synthetic materials are derived from Earth's natural resources.
- They can be used as fuels, fabrics, medicines and more.
-
Discussion Questions
-
Before VideoWhat is a chemical reaction?ANSWER
-
Chemical reactions occur when the atomic bonds that make up molecules are broken and rearranged.
-
A physical change occurs when the size, shape, or appearance of a substance changes but its atomic makeup remains the same.
-
A mixture is a substance made by combining two or more different materials in such a way that no chemical reaction occurs. A mixture can usually be separated back into its original components.
-
Chemical changes result in new material(s) being formed that have different properties than those that were combined to make them.
-
For the most part, physical changes are reversible. However, some physical changes are very difficult or impossible to reverse, such as breaking a rock into smaller pieces.
-
For the most part, chemical changes are not reversible because the atoms that make up the molecules have been rearranged to form new substances.
-
-
After VideoWhat are synthetic materials? ANSWER
-
A synthetic material is one in which the substances are deliberately joined together to produce a material with different characteristics. Some synthetic materials form from mixtures, but most are the result of chemical reactions.
-
Natural resources are resources that exist without humans having any role in their formation.
-
Plastics are formed from chemicals that are mixed together and chemically react to create carbon-based molecule chains called monomers. A variety of different chemicals can be used to make plastics, but the most common one today is petroleum.
-
Yes, we use synthetic materials for many things, including medicines, fabrics, containers, building materials, and fuels.
-
Yes, some synthetic materials, such as plastics, take a very long time to decompose. As a result, they can collect and cause pollution. It is important that these materials are recycled.
-
-
-
Vocabulary
-
Natural resources
DEFINE
Anything that people use from nature.
-
Synthetic materials
DEFINE
Substances that are not produced by nature but rather are made by humans using natural materials.
-
Minerals
DEFINE
Naturally occurring solids such as zinc, copper, and graphite.
-
Plastics
DEFINE
Synthetic materials that come from a variety of sources that can be molded into shapes while soft.
-
Reaction
DEFINE
When two or more substances are converted into new substances as a result of their atoms rearranging.
-
Fossil fuels
DEFINE
Resources that are made from decayed plants and animals.
-
Nylon
DEFINE
Tough, lightweight synthetic fiber.
-
Biodiesel
DEFINE
Renewable, biodegradable fuel made from vegetable oils, animal fats, or cooking grease.
-
Aspirin
DEFINE
Common pain reliever; the earliest forms came from willow bark, but modern versions are the result of chemical reactions.
-
Natural resources
DEFINE
-
Reading Material
Download as PDF Download PDF View as Separate PageWHAT ARE SYNTHETIC MATERIALS?Synthetic materials are formed when humans deliberately mix substances together for the express purpose of creating new materials with desirable properties. Most synthetic materials are the result of chemical reactions during which the atomic structures of the original substances are rearranged to form the new material. Common examples of synthetic materials are plastics and fabrics such as nylon.
To better understand synthetic materials…
WHAT ARE SYNTHETIC MATERIALS?. Synthetic materials are formed when humans deliberately mix substances together for the express purpose of creating new materials with desirable properties. Most synthetic materials are the result of chemical reactions during which the atomic structures of the original substances are rearranged to form the new material. Common examples of synthetic materials are plastics and fabrics such as nylon. To better understand synthetic materials…LET’S BREAK IT DOWN!
Natural Resources
Natural resources are useful raw materials that we get from the Earth. They occur naturally, which means that humans did not make them using a mixture or chemical reaction. Humans use natural resources to form new substances that will be beneficial to us.
Natural Resources Natural resources are useful raw materials that we get from the Earth. They occur naturally, which means that humans did not make them using a mixture or chemical reaction. Humans use natural resources to form new substances that will be beneficial to us.Plastics
Plastics are synthetic materials that are very useful in our daily world. Plastics can be shaped when they are soft and formed into numerous different shapes that later harden. Humans have learned how to make plastics from a variety of substances, but the most common plastics today are made from fossil fuels like petroleum. Since World War II, the use of plastics has taken off in our country and in our world; you can find plastics almost everywhere.
Plastics Plastics are synthetic materials that are very useful in our daily world. Plastics can be shaped when they are soft and formed into numerous different shapes that later harden. Humans have learned how to make plastics from a variety of substances, but the most common plastics today are made from fossil fuels like petroleum. Since World War II, the use of plastics has taken off in our country and in our world; you can find plastics almost everywhere.Chemical Reactions
In a chemical reaction, the atoms in the starting substances interact with one another. This often results in the molecules from at least one of the original substances breaking apart, allowing the atoms to rearrange and join together differently. This creates new substances that are called products. The number of atoms of each type is the same before and after a reaction.
Chemical Reactions In a chemical reaction, the atoms in the starting substances interact with one another. This often results in the molecules from at least one of the original substances breaking apart, allowing the atoms to rearrange and join together differently. This creates new substances that are called products. The number of atoms of each type is the same before and after a reaction.Biodiesel
Biodiesel is an alternative fuel similar to conventional or “fossil” diesel. It is formed from vegetable oils, animal fats, or cooking grease. Biodiesel fuel is considered to be considerably more environmentally friendly than its diesel fuel counterparts. One of the primary benefits of biodiesel fuels is the reduction of air pollution emissions released by the machines that are using it because of the cleaner, less toxic chemical composition.
Biodiesel Biodiesel is an alternative fuel similar to conventional or “fossil” diesel. It is formed from vegetable oils, animal fats, or cooking grease. Biodiesel fuel is considered to be considerably more environmentally friendly than its diesel fuel counterparts. One of the primary benefits of biodiesel fuels is the reduction of air pollution emissions released by the machines that are using it because of the cleaner, less toxic chemical composition.Biochemists
Biochemists study the chemical reactions that occur in our body. They do so in order to add to our general understanding of these processes and to solve specific problems. Some biochemists are involved in the development of new drugs and medicines that can be used to treat such diseases as cancer or COVID-19. Other biochemists may study genetic disorders to determine if they lead to diseases, or they may conduct research outside of the field of medicine to create solutions for crop diseases or alternative fuel sources. Biochemists often work together in research teams to collaborate and seek solutions together.
Biochemists Biochemists study the chemical reactions that occur in our body. They do so in order to add to our general understanding of these processes and to solve specific problems. Some biochemists are involved in the development of new drugs and medicines that can be used to treat such diseases as cancer or COVID-19. Other biochemists may study genetic disorders to determine if they lead to diseases, or they may conduct research outside of the field of medicine to create solutions for crop diseases or alternative fuel sources. Biochemists often work together in research teams to collaborate and seek solutions together. -
DIY Activity Guide
-
Teacher Resources
These downloadable teacher resources can help you create a full lesson around the video. These PDFs incorporate using class discussion questions, vocabulary lists, printable worksheets, quizzes, games, and more.
Select a Google Form
Choose a way to play this quiz game
-
Questions appear on the teacher's screen. Students answer on their own devices.
-
A self-paced game with questions and answers shown on the student's device.
Start a Free Trial Today. Get a $5 Amazon Gift Card!
Teachers! Start a free trial & we'll send your gift card within 1 day. Only cards left. Try it now.
This email is associated with a Science Kit subscription. Kit subscriptions are managed on this separate page: Manage Subscription
-
Science & Math$/yr
-
Science Only$/yr
What are all synthetic materials made from?
Why would scientists want to make a material synthetically?
Give two examples of synthetic materials and what they are used for.
access all lessons
• No credit card required •
"My students loved the videos. I started the video subscription in May and used them as a review before the state test, which I know contributed to 100% of my class passing the state test."
Rhonda Fox 4th Grade Teacher, Ocala, Florida• No credit card required •
"My students loved the videos. I started the video subscription in May and used them as a review before the state test, which I know contributed to 100% of my class passing the state test."
Rhonda Fox 4th Grade Teacher, Ocala, Florida• No credit card required •
Already a member? Sign In
* no credit card required *
* no credit card required *
* no credit card required *
no credit card required
Skip, I will use a 3 day free trial
Enjoy your free 30 days trial
-
Unlimited access to our full library
of videos & lessons for grades K-5. -
You won’t be billed unless you keep your
account open past your 14-day free trial. -
You can cancel anytime in 1 click on the
manage account page or by emailing us.
-
Unlimited access to our full library of videos & lessons for grades K-5.
-
You won't be billed unless you keep your account open past 14 days.
-
You can cancel anytime in 1-click on the manage account page.
Cancel anytime in 1-click on the manage account page before the trial ends and you won't be charged.
Otherwise you will pay just $10 CAD/month for the service as long as your account is open.
Cancel anytime on the manage account page in 1-click and you won't be charged.
Otherwise you will pay $10 CAD/month for the service as long as your account is open.
We just sent you a confirmation email. Enjoy!
DonePlease login or join.