Make Plastic History

Join Staffordshire University and Potteries Museum for a day of exploring creativity in tackling plastic pollution! Shape a sustainable future.

Date: Saturday 20 April 2024
Time: 10am to 5pm
Location: Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, Bethesda Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 3DW
Admission: FREE
Suitable for: Families (activities are suitable for children aged between five and 13)

Make Plastic History with Staffordshire University and the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery.

Join us in this engaging and educational event, celebrating the ingenuity of human history in combating plastic pollution.

Let your family embark on a positive journey, exploring the archaeological finds of the Anthropocene era, and discover the brilliance of human creativity in shaping solutions to the plastic waste crisis.

It's a full day of interactive microplastic activities at the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, promising an experience that's both guilt-free and empowering.

Be part of the movement to shape a sustainable future.🌍✨

Events and Activities:

🌊 Dive into the adventure!
Head inside our Interactive Whale for an oceanic story telling theatre experience that brings plastic pollution to life, featuring talented actors and singers.


🕵️‍♀️ Archaeological dig for plastic
Embark on an archaeological dig at the PMAG sand pits! Use shovels and sieves to excavate plastic artifacts and completing a 'bingo' list for stickers.


🐜 Create your own creature
Unleash your creativity at Creature Creations! Recycle plastic waste into clay bugs and let your imagination soar.


🔍 Original function challenge
Test your skills in "Guess the Original Function" and discover the hidden stories behind various plastic items.


🎨 Ocean bauble crafting
Participate in our citizen science challenge, by creating ocean-themed baubles from cleaned microplastics collected from UK beaches.


👕 Microplastics science experiment
Unravel the secrets of microplastic fibres from your clothes by shaking your way through our interactive Science experiment.


✨ Eco glitter face painting
Get glamorous with eco glitter face painting! Transform yourself while learning about glitter and its connection to microplastics.


🧩 Puzzle retreat
Relax in our puzzle zone, solving paper-based puzzles related to animals, plastic pollution, and recycling. Complete at least one puzzle to earn a sticker.


🥤 Sustainable straw showdown
Dive into the world of sustainable straws! Guess materials, explore their sustainability, and pick your favourite. Try it out with a refreshing drink from the café.


🗺️ Plastic alternatives treasure hunt
Embark on a historical journey! Follow the treasure map to discover alternatives to plastic used throughout the ages.


📝 Creative writing and poetry corner
Engage in discussions, receive feedback, or try a writing exercise exploring plastic pollution at our Creative writing and poetry station.


🦴 Fossil exploration
Unearth the past with Carboniferous fossils! Museum educators will showcase real fossils, explaining their significance in industrial history and the origins of coal and oil used to make plastic.