Jeffrey Scott Slegers, age 9, of Mundelein, I11., for his question:

WHAT IS STYROFOAM?

Styrofoam is a trade name for a type of plastic polystyrene foam made by the Dow Chemical Company.

Polystyrene foam is a lightweight plastic material that contains millions of tiny air bubbles. The material, in addition to being very light, is a poor conductor of heat. It doesn't absorb water and cannot be damaged by either bacteria or molds.

Styrofoam products are useful in both industrial and household locations. Picnic ice chests, disposable drinking cups and toys are just a few of the items made from the material. It's also used for protective packaging and insulating buildings and trucks.