Debbie Meyer, age 10, of St. Ann, Mo., for her question:

WHAT ARE PLASTICS MADE FROM?

Plastics are man‑made materials that can be shaped into almost any form. Some plastics have the strength of steel while others have the softness of silk.

The substances used to make plastics are called synthetic resins.

They are made from chemicals that come from such natural sources as coal, limestone, petroleum, salt and water. Chemical manufacturers make the resins and sell them to other companies that make plastic products.  Resin manufacturers produce compounds which are used in the manufacture .of plastics. They use ammonia, benzene and products with complicated "names such as hexamethylenetetramine.

Plastics can be used by manufacturers with molding, casting, laminating, extrusion and calendering.