Book 26, Question 25 · Video
How did a contest for billiard balls lead to plastic?
In the 1860s, billiard balls were made from ivory, which was becoming rare. A company offered a prize for a substitute. Inventor John Wesley Hyatt took up the challenge and made celluloid, one of the first plastics, from plant fibers. Celluloid became combs, movie film, and collars. It was a start for the age of plastics.
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What Crafty Clover says in this video
Intro
Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. How did a contest for billiard balls lead to plastic?
The Big Idea
Billiard balls used to be made of ivory. Ivory was becoming rare! A contest led to one of the first plastics.
The Problem
Step one: The Problem. In the 1860s, billiard balls were made from ivory, which was becoming rare. A company offered a prize for a substitute.
Celluloid
Step two: Celluloid. Inventor John Wesley Hyatt took up the challenge. He made celluloid, one of the first plastics, from plant fibers.
Many Uses
Step three: Many Uses. Celluloid became combs, movie film, and collars. It was a start for the age of plastics.
A Closer Look
Let's take a closer look! Made from plants. Used for balls. Made into combs. Used for movies.
Quick Facts
Quick facts! Celluloid film caught fire easily, so later films used safer plastics. A contest sparked the idea. Using less ivory helps protect elephants. Plastics came next.
Think Like a Scientist
Now, think like a scientist! List five things in your room made from plastic. Think about what each would have been made of long ago. Maybe wood, metal, or glass? Write your guesses. Which material do you think is best?
Outro
A contest to replace ivory billiard balls led John Wesley Hyatt to make celluloid, one of the first plastics. It became combs, movie film, and collars. Science is amazing! Keep asking questions! The more you look around, the more wonders you will find, so keep your eyes open! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!