After closing for several weeks due to COVID-19, Fab Lab is excited to announce that it is now open for members and general visitors. Members are required to reserve equipment before visiting the lab; absolutely no walk-ins will be permitted. Visitors will be permitted to the lab through our Saturday afternoon lab tour which occurs every Saturday from 1-2pm.When the coronavirus took the world, country and local community by storm earlier this year, there was an unprecedented pandemic that no-one could have prepared for. As the team at Fab Lab ascertained more about the impact the crisis may inflict on the local community, they recognized the need to leverage their special resources to make a difference. They heard firsthand from healthcare workers that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was nonexistent although their will to fight for the health and safety of the community was as present as ever. Resorting to using bandanas or often times, going completely without protection, was not an option. They knew they couldn't solve the problem alone, nor would they want to as collaboration is at the core of our values. With the help of 260+ volunteers, the Suncoast Science Center COVID-19 Face Mask & Shield Project has been a huge success.

The COVID-19 Project Continues

A group of passionate high school and college students have been spending the last month researching different ways they can make an impact on their community during the COVID-19 pandemic. This Innovationship, which serves as an extension of the COVID-19 Face Mask & Shield Project, provides students with real-world experience planning projects, developing prototypes, collaborating with external partners and much more.

After consulting with experts at local COVID testing sites, schools and homeless shelters, the students have broken into two teams and are now developing prototypes! The Education Team is working on a student-focused app that will present COVID-19 related information in a fun, engaging manner. The Product Team is aiming to slow the spread of the virus with the design and creation of door handle attachments made of antiviral and antimicrobial materials.

Click here to sign up for a tour.