About the Course

Crystals and Polymers

Why do some plastic containers melt in the microwave while others don’t? What makes Silly Putty stretchy? How are packing peanuts made? Chemicals are key to answering these questions, and in this course, you’ll examine how their structure can determine the properties and behaviors of gems and polymers. Starting with the most basic building blocks, atoms, you’ll learn about ions and compounds, and grow crystals like salt and rock candy in the lab, marveling at how small changes in structures of gems can cause dramatic changes in shapes and colors. You’ll also synthesize slime or Silly Putty to investigate molecular chain length and cross-linking, isolate strawberry DNA and denature proteins to learn about biopolymers, and experiment with superabsorbent molecules like those used in diapers to research how different plastics are synthesized. By the end of the course, you’ll understand the chemistry behind many materials we use every day.

Typical Class Size: 14-16
 

Course Overview

This course is

ungraded.

Summer Dates & Locations

Registration deadline:

After May 2, 2025, registration is available upon request pending eligibility and seat availability. To request placement, email [email protected] after submitting a program application.

Session One

Image of the Ursinus College campus
Ursinus College
Collegeville, Pennsylvania
-
Residential cost: $7,259
Commuter cost: $6,459
Additional fees: $180
Enroll

Session Two

Image of the Ursinus College campus
Ursinus College
Collegeville, Pennsylvania
-
Residential cost: $7,259
Commuter cost: $6,459
Additional fees: $180
Enroll

Testing and Prerequisites

  Math Verbal
Required Level CTY-Level Not required
Check your eligibility using existing test scores If you do not have existing test scores:

Students must achieve qualifying scores on an advanced assessment to be eligible for CTY programs. If you don’t have qualifying scores, you have several different testing options. We’ll help you find the right option for your situation.

Sign up for Testing Learn More

Cost and Financial Aid

  • Tuition
    • Varies
  • Application fee
    • Nonrefundable Application Fee - $55 (Waived for financial aid applicants)
    • Nonrefundable International Fee - $250 (outside US only)

We have concluded our financial aid application review process for 2025 On-Campus Programs. We encourage those who may need assistance in the future to apply for aid as early as possible. We are committed to serving all talented youth regardless of financial circumstances. Financial assistance is available based on need.

Learn More

Course Materials

Students should bring basic school supplies like pens, notebooks, and folders to their summer program. You will be notified of any additional items needed before the course begins. All other materials will be provided by CTY.
 

Course Extras (Lab fee info, etc)

Lab fee: $180

Sample Reading

These titles have been featured in past sessions of the course, and may be included this summer. CTY provides students with all texts; no purchase is required. 

  • Eyewitness: Crystal & Gem, by R.F. Symes and Richard Harding
  • Polymers All Around You, by Mickey Sarquis and Linda Woodward

About Science and Engineering at CTY

Explore space and our planet

In our Introduction to Astronomy course, we’ll visit a nearby observatory or planetarium, see what the cosmos looks like through various spectra, and immerse ourselves in the science and technology that bring the universe closer to home. In Marine Ecology, we’ll visit local wetlands and tidepools, observe flora and fauna, collect water samples and analyze them for clues about their health and humans’ impact. And in The Global Environment, we will explore the human impact on our environment and generate proposals for addressing climate change.

Bond over chemistry

Our chemistry courses help you see the world differently, starting at the atomic level. The Edible World gives budding chefs and science lovers a glimpse into the chemical reactions that happen when we make food, and the chemical makeup of meals and treats we eat every day. In our Crystals and Polymers course, we’ll synthesize slime, grow rock candy, and isolate strawberry DNA to learn about the molecular structure of naturally occurring gems and human-produced plastics. In Chemistry in Society, we'll consider how the chemicals in products can both enhance and degrade the world around us; produce biodiesel in a lab to understand alternative fuels; and prepare aspirin to learn about the healing and toxic properties of pharmaceuticals.

Meet our instructors and staff