The National Plastics Center and Museum (NPCM) in Leominster, Mass., in operation since 1992, is providing both children and adults a unique look into the world of plastics. It is a resource you will want to use. The NPCM is not just a fixed point in the New England, but is also "PlastiVan," a traveling road show featuring some of the most popular elements from the museum.

The museum, located in a renovated brick school house in Leominster, Mass., includes the following programs and exhibits:

• Chemistry of Plastics, where visitors can see how nylon is made and how plastics are made into popular toys and other articles of daily use.
• The Micromolder, where plastic milk bottles are ground up and recycled into free souvenirs in the center's own injection molding machine.
• Plastic Lab, a 50-minute demonstration, offered through advance reservation only, where visitors can learn the chemistry of polymers in a hands-on laboratory experience.
• Plastics Hall of Fame, featuring the many individuals who helped create what has become one of the world's largest industries. A new video and interactive computer program provide details and access to the Hall of Famers.
• Rare Artifacts, from the early days of the plastics industry. Included is first-of-their-kind machines used to mass produce plastic products, ranging from toothbrushes to sunglasses and pens. Exhibits of historic celluloid plastic toys and beauty products are rotated seasonally.
• Modern Plastic Applications, a growing collection that includes a range of items, such as automotive components, power windmill blades, kayaks, canoes and other recreational products, as well as products designed for protection and safety.
• The Discovery Corner is popular with youngsters. Here, they can get a little hands-on experience with plastics. From recycled soda bottles to all sorts of plastic blocks, construction and invention reign supreme.

The museum is located on Rte. 117, just two miles west of I-90 (exit 7) in Leominster. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday. For more information, call (978) 537-9529.

The traveling PlastiVan offers an exciting, fast-paced assembly program for up to 300 children in grades 4 through 12. This hands-on Plastics Science Lab is educational and fun. Participants get to make "slime," learn about the chemistry of a diaper, discover how strong plastic grocery bags are and why, and much more.

The PlastiVan was made possible through the generous funding of Robert A. Hoffer, Sr., of Hoffer Plastics Corp. (South Elgin, Ill.), Robert Schad of Husky Injection Molding Systems (Bolton, Ontario), Gordon B. Lankton of Nypro Inc. (Clinton, Mass.) and Stephen Uhlmann of Tech Groups, Inc. (Scottsdale, Ariz.).

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