High school students from seven area schools spent several months exploring Pittsburgh’s 1940s Smoke Control Campaign and current air quality concerns. They visited the Heinz History Center archives, Green Building Alliance, and The Mattress Factory. Working with a local artist, the students designed three installations that explore how Pittsburgh can continue to improve on its smoky legacy. By partnering with one of the city's premier cultural entities, the students are able to practice skills in collaboration, community engagement, and presentation in the real world.
Through this experience, learners will improve their historical thinking skills, build their critical understanding of change, and creatively visualize their learning with hands-on making. They will also have the opportunity to voice their vision for Pittsburgh’s future. Exhibits feature 3-dimensional models of iconic Pittsburgh buildings, illuminated shadow boxes with objects and primary sources, and an interactive installation of particulates commonly found in the air.
The project is supported in part by a Remake Learning grant from The Sprout Fund. Remake Learning Grants are awarded by The Sprout Fund to catalyze innovative learning projects that inspire educators and students to explore new ways of teaching and learning.
The exhibit will open at the Heinz History Center on Monday, May 22 from 5pm to 7pm. The event is free. For more information and to RSVP, see https://remakelearningdays.org/event/green-city-remix-opening-celebration/. The exhibit will be open to all museumgoers through August 2017.