This module, recommended for third or fourth year high school students, consists of three parts. The first part (entitled "Knowing Plastics") gives some background information regarding the origin of plastics, their chemical and physical properties, and the different available types. The second part (entitled "Shaping Plastics") describes how things are made from plastics. It includes lists of materials needed and procedures for laminating a diploma on wood and for making articles from plexiglass or acrylic plastic. The third part (entitled "Plastics and Health") discusses why the public is cautioned on the use of plastics for food containers. It also deals with how plastics add to the waste disposal problem. (JN)