High schoolers explored global solutions through the Governor’s School partnership with Open Lab

This summer, Pitt’s Governor’s School for Global and International Studies partnered with Open Lab to give a cohort of high-achieving high school students from across Pennsylvania a unique research and academic opportunity.

Student and staff facilitators for Open Lab, a collaboration of the University Center for Teaching and Learning and the University Library System, led a number of workshops on approaching complex global challenges for Governor’s School students during the immersive, four-week program.

With makerspace technologies — including 3D printing, 360-degree video cameras and virtual reality equipment — that are open to the entire Pitt community, Open Lab gave the students a space to creatively and collaboratively approach a topic in global studies. Some ideas included creating a VR fashion show to explore the implications of the fast fashion industry and creating board games to educate players on topics like misinformation.

After coming up with their ideas, students were trained on how to use the Open Lab equipment like the Ultimaker 3D printers, laser cutters, engravers and vinyl cutters, then given free time in the lab to complete their projects.

“Open Lab staff were completely blown away by the quality of work these students produced in such a short time,” said Molly Ritter, curriculum coordinator of the Open Lab.