Carnegie Science Center's Fab Lab gives makers new tools
Zach Weber, an education coordinator at the Carnegie Science Center, uses a handheld instrument to scan the head and face of Nicholas Marshall.
Nicholas sits still in a chair as an image of his face appears on a computer screen.
Then, at the adjacent 3-D printer, a tube dribbles molten plastic on a base, a 0.2-millimeter layer at a time. Eventually, maybe in a few hours, the plastic will turn into a plastic mold of Nicholas' face.
“Usually, they're fairly recognizable if you know the person,” says Nicholas, 12, of Churchill, who is going into seventh grade at Sacred Heart Elementary School in Shadyside.
On Aug. 18, the Science Center opened its new Fab Lab, a hands-on digital fabrication workshop and maker-space on the ground floor of the Highmark SportsWorks building on the North Shore. Both kids and adults can use the lab to explore concepts in science, technology, engineering and math, also known as STEM. The Fab Lab — along with its mobile counterpart, which will take activities to schools and other places — has equipment including 3-D printers, laser cutters, video-conferencing equipment and sewing and embroidery machines.
“I like it,” says Ryan Schmidt, 10, of Apollo, as he watches his friend Nicholas get his face replicated. “It's just fun. I like technology.”
Chevron funds the center's Fab Lab through its $10 million commitment to the Boston-based Fab Foundation, which oversees a global network of more than 500 Fab Labs in some 30 countries.
“It seems to be a very catalytic environment and very inspiring environment,” says Sherry Lassiter, president of the Fab Foundation Board.
Pittsburgh is the perfect location for a new Fab Lab, says Linda Padon, general manager of public policy and corporate responsibility for Chevron.
“Pittsburgh has always been a city of makers, and it is a city of makers now,” she says.
Fab Lab is open to people of all ages and will host scheduled workshops with school and other groups. But visitors to the center who have paid admission can sign up to join the sessions in the lab, says Ann Metzger, science center co-director.
The lab offers so much opportunity for learning, creativity and innovation that will help prepare the young users for STEM jobs, Metzger says.
Rich Fitzgerald, Allegheny County executive, calls the lab's opening “an exciting day for this region, for the young people — and for the old people, to watch these young people grow.”
Kellie B. Gormly is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at kgormly@tribweb.com or 412-320-7824.
