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04/19/2024

Back to School with Chemistry

School would not be possible without industry. Not only is industry responsible for producing the chemicals that make our school supplies, but industry also contributes million of dollars in property taxes. These taxes enable teachers to have an 8% higher salary than teachers in other states while also contributing to making the school itself the best it can be.

 

Back to School - Technology

Technology

How would students or teachers get through the school day without technology? Companies like Methanex and OxyChem produce methanol, chlorine gas, and chlorine trifluoride which are all found in computer screens and other hardware.

Back to School - Paper

Paper

Hard to study without textbooks or notebooks! Paper made by Georgia Pacific is used to create these vital school supplies that are essential for learning in the classroom.

 

Back to School - Uniforms

Uniforms

Shell Geismar produces mono-ethylene glycol (MEG) which is used to make polyester and Koch Methanol St. James makes methanol which is found in the synthetic fibers BASF produces to make uniforms.

Back to School - Bus

School Bus

Because of gas provided by Phillips 66, CITGO, Marathon, and Shell, students are able to get to and from school safe and sound.

 

Back to School - Backpack

Backpack

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), produced by Shintech Louisiana and Westlake Chemical, is used to create the plastic coating on book sacks. Now students can transport their books and materials to and from school!

Back to School - Glue

Glue

Crafts are a great way to make learning fun with hands on activities, and the best way to make those activities stick is with is with glue. Polyurethane, produced by Albemarle, is found in Elmer’s Glue.

 

Back to School - Crayons

Crayons

Coloring makes school enjoyable and gets students’ creativity flowing! The wax found in crayons is produced by ExxonMobil.

Back to School - Paperclips

Paperclips

Coated paperclips are made out of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), produced by Formosa Plastics.

 

Back to School - Rubber Bands

Rubber Bands

Lion Copolymer is one of the world’s first synthetic rubber producers, which is used to make rubber bands.

Back to School - Desk

Desks

Where would students sit and work without desks? Cornerstone Chemicals produces melamine, which is a critical component found in desks and other wooden furniture.

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