How to Make Plastic From Scratch for Kids

Simple infographic showing how plastic is made from ingredients into useful products

Start with ingredients

Some plastics begin with natural materials from the Earth. These materials are taken to factories, where they are changed into smaller pieces that can be worked with.

Build long chains

Scientists link tiny parts together to make long chains. Those chains become the base material for plastic. Then the material can be melted and shaped.

Make smart choices

Plastic can be useful, but it should not end up as litter. We can reuse what we have, recycle what we can, and choose long-lasting items whenever possible.

Remember

Many products begin as tiny pellets before they become their final shape.
Factories use heat and machines to make plastic items the right size and shape.
Recycling helps old plastic come back as something useful instead of becoming waste.

Quick Quiz

1. What do the ingredients for plastic first come from?

Answer: Natural materials from the Earth.

2. What are the long chains in plastic called?

Answer: Polymers.

3. What are two good choices we can make with plastic items?

Answer: Reuse them and recycle them.