TV on a Rolling Cart

How is plastic made?

From Mystery Doug

How is plastic made?
5 minK1st2nd3rd4th5thScience
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Summary

Mystery Doug takes on a real kid's question -- "How is plastic made?" -- and follows the clues. Plastic is made from oil and natural gas, whose molecules are chemically linked into long, bendy chains. A quick five-minute watch to spark curiosity and kick off a conversation.

Viewer safety

All ages
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Teaching resources

Discussion questions

Discussion

Doug investigates a question kids really asked: "How is plastic made?"

  1. What was Doug's answer to today's question, in your own words?
  2. What surprised you most about plastic, or what did you already know?
  3. What's one thing this makes you want to find out more about?

Quick work-a-long

Words to know: plastic, oil, molecule.

Try it: Explain the answer to "How is plastic made?" to someone at home using these three words, then write down one new question it made you wonder.

How is plastic made? — TV on a Rolling Cart