Lycra

High school (ages 12+)
Making & Design

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/lycra

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. How long is Lycra?Over 500%
2. What is the chemical name?Segmented Polyurethane-Polyurea Copolymer
3. What is the primary function?High elasticity and elastic recovery
4. What is Lycra and why is it called super stretchy?Lycra is a special synthetic fiber that can stretch a lot and then snap back. It feels soft and comfy, like a rubber band that never gets worn out. It was invented by a chemist at DuPont in the 1950s.
5. How does Lycra stretch and then return to its shape?Lycra has hard parts that act like tiny anchors and soft parts that are long, coiled chains. When you pull on it, the soft chains straighten out and let the fiber stretch. When you let go, the hard parts pull the soft chains back into coils, so the fiber returns to its original shape.

Polymer Science: The study of large molecules (polymers) and their properties.
Tensile Force: A pulling force exerted on an object, like stretching a fabric.
Petrochemicals: Chemicals derived from petroleum or natural gas, often used to make plastics.