As Remake Learning Days kicks off, high school students will connect with Pittsburgh’s steel industry heritage on this guided walking tour of the Carrie Blast Furnaces National Historic Landmark. Tours highlight the site’s iron-making technology, its workers, and their culture. Students can also try on steelworker safety gear and learn more about what it was like to work at this “manmade volcano.”
Following the site tour, we will examine how industrial sites like the Carrie Blast Furnaces historically impacted Pittsburgh’s rivers through water withdrawals and contamination, as well as the extent of the rivers’ subsequent recovery.
Students will also have the opportunity to use a plankton tow sampling device and microscopes to study the Monongahela River. This hands-on activity focuses on plankton, which serve as the base of the river’s food chain.
Remake Learning Days (RLD) is a global learning festival that brings families, kids, educators, and community cultural centers together to share the benefits of collaborative, hands-on learning for all ages.
Celebrating 10 years of hands-on learning in 2026, Remake Learning Days events are organized by six learning themes: Arts, Maker, Outdoor Learning, Science, Technology, and Youth Voice. Learn more at https://remakelearningdays.org/
About Remake Learning Days Remake Learning Days (RLD) is a global learning festival that brings families, kids, community cultural centers, and educators together to share the benefits of collaborative, hands-on learning. Founded in 2016 by Remake Learning, this celebration highlights transformative experiences and opportunities for youth to develop their sense of creativity, perseverance, curiosity, and fun alongside others. A variety of organizations, such as schools, museums, libraries, after school organizations, early childcare centers, universities, media centers, tech startups, and more, open their doors and host events for families to learn together. Most events are free and open to kids of all ages. Remake Learning Days is grateful to the support of The Grable Foundation for its global support, The Pennsylvania Department of Education for its support across the state of Pennsylvania and to local sponsors for individual regional festivals.
About The Author
