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00:00:20 The future of any industry is determined, in large part, by the education of its future managers, workers, and consumers.

00:00:27 The National Plastics Center and Museum recognizes the vital role education plays in our industry's future.

00:00:34 We are committed to spearheading an outreach educational program that highlights the many facets of the plastics industry.

00:00:41 One way or another, we're all in the education business.

00:00:46 Developing knowledge and appreciation of the origins and countless uses of plastics for secondary students

00:00:53 is a concept the Society of Plastics Engineers strongly supports.

00:00:59 It's this kind of program and commitment that makes the National Plastics Center and Museum such an extremely valuable asset to our industry.

00:01:10 As our first major project, we have undertaken the development of Passing Through,

00:01:15 a video-based educational program designed to give junior and senior high school students

00:01:21 an understanding of polymers and basic plastics technology.

00:01:25 It's just the first of many programs designed to attract the talent and support our industry needs

00:01:31 to continue its impressive record of accomplishment into the 21st century and beyond.

00:01:38 We know it's a real challenge to reach the high school audience with a story that gets their attention,

00:01:44 provides useful information, and plants the seed of career opportunities in our industry.

00:01:51 Well, in this studio, a magic world was created in which that story is told.

00:01:57 Briefly, here's how it happens.

00:02:00 Alex Keene is in trouble. He's flunking chemistry and his parents aren't happy.

00:02:05 On the way to his chemistry makeup exam, he gets caught in a time warp and finds himself transported back in time to a medieval castle.

00:02:20 There, he befriends Osgood, a bumbling but lovable wizard, and Garth, a skeptical but interested lord.

00:02:28 Why are you subject to examination? What heresy has brought you to this condition?

00:02:33 I'm flunking chemistry.

00:02:36 Passing through uses custom graphics and animation to lay the technical foundation of polymers and plastics technology.

00:02:51 I know what I have here. It is the potion, not unlike, Qualcann, which will be used by the noble Garth when he sets out on his journey.

00:02:59 Well, you may call it Qualcann, but I'll call it plastic.

00:03:04 The juxtaposition of a 20th century teenager teaching a 10th century scientist about the fundamentals of plastics is calculated to heighten the interest of our teenage audience.

00:03:14 The result is a highly entertaining program that brings students through the basics of plastics in an informative, entertaining way.

00:03:23 What wondrous things are your plastics and their properties?

00:03:30 Since the purpose of passing through is to teach, we have worked closely with educators at all levels to ensure that the video and the accompanying teacher's guide are effective teaching tools.

00:03:43 Select screenings to educators and students across the nation have resulted in strong endorsements of the educational value and effectiveness of passing through.

00:03:54 Passing through is the first of many educational programs planned by the National Plastics Center and Museum.

00:04:01 It is our wish to provide a series of educational materials so that every young American has access to accurate, informative, and entertaining information about our industry.

00:04:12 Your 20th century and its plastics are so exciting.

00:04:17 The primary reason that we produced this educational video is to develop informed opinions and influence through education.

00:04:28 The students who will see it are consumers today and will be the consumers, voters, and in some cases, legislators of tomorrow.

00:04:39 What you've seen is just the beginning, but we know our industry has a good story to tell.

00:04:46 And our field testing has shown that this is a vehicle with the ability to reach and have a very positive impact on an enormous number of people.

00:04:58 I hope you will join with the National Plastics Center and Museum in our commitment to this vital outreach program.

00:05:08 There are a number of ways you can join us in this exciting undertaking.

00:05:12 After reviewing the full-length version of Passing Through, you may want to discuss direct sponsorship of the program for schools in your area.

00:05:20 It's a great way to tell the plastic story, develop community interest in your company, and deliver your company or organization's message personally.

00:05:29 However you choose to participate, we are grateful for your support and look forward to joining with you in strengthening the foundations of our industry's future growth and prosperity.

00:05:50 Thank you.