EVANS CITY — Think of the world around you. Then, imagine it without plastics.

This was part of the message delivered to students at the Evans City Middle and Chicora Elementary schools when the PlastiVan made stops this month at the schools.

The visits, which were sponsored by BASF's Evans City plant, educated students on the chemistry of plastics. They learned many aspects about household items that contain plastics through presentations and hands-on activities. They even made hair gel, according to a BASF news release.

The PlastiVan is one of three science vans that travel throughout the United States teaching students, educators and the public about the chemistry, history, manufacturing and environmental issues involved with making plastics.

The program is provided through the National Plastics Center & Museum in Leomister, Mass.

Sponsoring the PlastiVan visit is one of several programs BASF does with public schools, the news release stated.

BASF employs about 120 at its Evans City plant, which makes products used mainly in the pharmaceutical industry.