How People Make Things

Based on Mister Rogers’ Factory Tours, this interactive hands-on exhibit allows you to learn about how everyday items are created through the manufacturing process.

Many of the items we use and play with are created in factories. The manufacturing process involves different types of machinery and human actions to create a final product. In How People Make Things, you will experience the science behind these machines and processes. It is important for us to know what elements go into products and the steps that happen to make them. 

Explore How People Make Things through four main activity areas; Cut, Mold, Deform and Assemble.  

In the Cut section, use special tools to cut wax shapes out. Then, try using a 3-axis mill to produce a three-dimensional object.

In the Mold area discover how crayons are formed. Also, play with the force of suction using a vacuum form on everyday items such as cell phones and keys – even your hands!

In the Deform area, use a rolling mill to deform a penny. Then, create a spring by wrapping wire around a metal shaft.

And in assemble, watch a robot assemble and disassemble a trolley. After, see if you can assemble and disassemble one yourself.  

How People Make Things has been designed for children aged five to 12 and their families.

About How People Make Things: This exhibit was created by Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh in collaboration with Family Communications, Inc. (FCI), the producer of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, and the University of Pittsburgh Center for Learning in Out-of-School Environments (UPCLOSE).  The exhibit was made possible with support from the National Science Foundation and The Grable Foundation. 

How People Make Things exhibit	How People Make Things exhibit	How People Make Things exhibit
How People Make Things exhibit	How People Make Things exhibit	How People Make Things exhibit
How People Make Things exhibit	How People Make Things exhibit	How People Make Things exhibit