Barberton High School's Polymer Class: A Hands-On Path to Future Careers

Barberton High School has introduced a new polymer science class that is gaining popularity among students and industry leaders alike. The class, taught by veteran chemistry teacher Rick Cardinal, offers an 80% hands-on lab experience, making it both exciting and educational for students. The idea for the polymer science class came from a collaboration between the Barberton Community Foundation, the Greater Akron Chamber, and the Polymer Industry Cluster. They received a $250, 000 grant from the State of Ohio Industry Sector Partnership in 2023, which required a $125, 000 local match. This funding helped bring polymer industry representatives and equipment into the classroom, giving students a unique opportunity to explore the science of polymers and potential careers in the field. The class curriculum was developed by Cardinal over the course of a year. The inaugural class had 13 students, and Cardinal expects that number to grow to at least 15 next year. The hands-on component of the class, which includes labs on vacuum and injection molding machine operation, compound mixing, and tensile testing, is a major appeal for students. The polymer industry is a significant part of the Akron area, and the class is helping students understand the wide range of career opportunities available in this field. Students have even had the chance to visit companies and attend the Global Polymer Summit in Cleveland, where they learned about the growing field of polymers. Cardinal is grateful for the support of the district administration, other teachers in the science department, and polymer companies like ARDL. He hopes that the class will become a Four Cities Compact program, allowing students to gain real-world experience in the industry.