High-tech lab parks in Trinity
The Fab Lab will be at Trinity High School for the next two weeks for students to use the latest technology like 3D printers and a wood router.
From left, Trinity junior Austin Young, senior Courtney Crouch and senior Andrew Gomez check out a 3D printer in the Fab Lab, a mobile fabrication laboratory that travels to schools and contains 3D printers, laser cutters and a wood router.
A 3D printer makes a small heart in the Fab Lab. The Fab Lab is a mobile laboratory that travels around to area schools, allowing students to use the technology and machines to create and learn about new technology. The Fab Lab was purchased by the Intermediate Unit 1 through a $1.2 million grant from Chevron.
For the next two weeks, Trinity Area School District will be home to the latest in digital fabrication technology.
Fab Lab, a mobile fabrication laboratory secured by Intermediate Unit 1 through a $1.2 million grant from Chevron, made its debut with the district Tuesday. Equipped with the latest technology, including 3D printers, lasers engravers/cutters and a wood router, the Fab Lab is designed to encourage and support the Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math initiative.
“It is one of 10 throughout the nation,” IU1 Executive Director Chal Mahoney said of the lab. “The only other one in the region is at the Carnegie Science Center.”
Mahoney said teachers and students throughout Washington, Greene and Fayette counties will have access to the lab. Renting the lab costs $1,500 a week for IU1 schools and $3,000 a week for schools outside the IU1.
Intermediate Unit 1 is a regional educational agency that strives to provide educational support to the students, parents, educators, school administrators and the communities throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania, according to the agency’s website.
Trinity Superintendent Michael Lucas said his district is embracing the STEAM initiative. Their efforts include a recent partnership with Harvard University to train middle school students on the latest programming techniques and an existing robotics program.
“We have a high-tech vision,” Lucas said. “Today was just an introduction. But we eventually want this equipment to be permanent.”
Trinity teachers, regardless of their course, were encouraged to learn how Fab Lab could benefit their curriculum.
“Its a great way to enhance your curriculum,” said Brandon Prentice, Fab Lab manager. “The foundation is universal.”
Mahoney said Trinity is “ahead of the curve” when it comes to embracing the latest in technology.
“They were very excited when they learned we had it,” he said of the lab. “We are getting the next generation of teachers and students ready for the 21st century workforce.”