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Erie Recycles
Features a gallery of smaller exhibits focused on the process of plastic recycling
Erie Recycles
ABOUT THE EXHIBIT
Learn the process of plastic recycling together with simple machines!
Erie Recycles features a gallery of smaller exhibits focused on real-world steps. Sort recyclables, shred plastic, and watch it transformed into new products. Learn about sorting, washing, shredding, and even launch plastic for a final recycling challenge!
Sponsored by the Plastek Group
Exhibit Features
There’s a lot to see and do in this exhibit–check out some of these unique activities!
SCIENCE
TECHNOLOGY
ENGINEERING
ART
MATH
Daily Recycling
AGES: Pre-School | Elementary | Middle
Use the conveyor belt to send colored balls on their way and use magnetic pieces to guide colored plastic balls into the correct recycling bins.
Once you’ve filled your mini recycling bin, take it to the Collection Truck for pick-up!
Collection Truck
Sort it right!
AGES: Toddler | Pre-School | Elementary
Just like at home, the first step is sorting! Toss your colored plastic balls into the designated slot on the Collection Truck.
Plastic Sorting
Separate the squad!
AGES: Toddler | Pre-School | Elementary | Middle
See if you can sort the plastic balls and get them into each hole (Pro tip: Use your carnival game skills)
Plastic Shredding
Time to break it down
AGES: Pre-School | Elementary | Middle
Feed the plastic balls into the chomping shredder. Watch them get munched into tiny pieces after they travel up the guest-operated Archimedes screw conveyor belt and take a wild ride down the fun plinko wall!
Plastic Separation & Identification
Sort it out, catch it up
AGES: Baby | Toddler | Pre-School | Elementary
Load your plastic balls into the wacky, intertwining vacuum tubes.
Plastic Pelletizing
AGES: Pre-School | Elementary | Middle
Turn the wheel to move the balls up the conveyor. Work with a friend to load and move them up and on their way to recycling.
Ball Launcher
Bullseye for recycling!
AGES: Pre-School | Elementary | Middle
Load your plastic balls into the launcher and take aim at the hanging targets. Each successful shot helps us create even more cool products!
Explore More!
Experience new worlds and make new discoveries about science, the environment, culture, math, and the arts.
Bring the Museum Home with You
Keep the inspiration, invention, interaction and imagination going.
What Can My Family Do?
Further expand learning and play in Erie Recycles!
- Explore engineering and physics concepts through mesmerizing marble runs
- Get behind the wheel of our kid sized garbage truck
- Aim and throw colored balls into numbered holes and hone in on counting skills with each toss
- Discover cause and effect with our giant cork screw and plinko wall
- Marvel at the mysterious forces that propel colored balls through the twists and turns of a transparent maze
- Investigate how the properties of simple machines can convey colored balls across the room