What kid hasn’t dreamed about getting into the Guinness Book of World Records? Whether it’s for stacking 100 Oreos, building a Lego city that takes over the living room, or bouncing a balloon nonstop until bedtime, kids love the idea of being the best at something quirky and unforgettable.
Well, here’s a record-breaking attempt that’ll definitely get their imaginations going: watching TV for 55 hours straight… in virtual reality.
Yep, you read that right. Two researchers from Penn State Behrend are strapping on VR headsets and trying to binge-watch their way into the record books—and your family is invited to come watch it all happen.
In fact, they need people to be there. Guinness World Records requires official observers to monitor the attempt every step of the way. So if you (or your whole crew!) want to be part of the action, you can sign up to be a Volunteer World Record Observer. Coolest title ever, right? And yes—it looks awesome on a resume.
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Be part of history: Sign up now as a Volunteer World Record Observer to take part in this challenge!
Guinness World Record Attempt, Right Here in Erie
From Saturday, April 5 through Monday, April 7, Penn State Behrend’s Virtual/Augmented Reality Lab (VAR Lab) will become the site of a unique, slightly wild Guinness World Record attempt. The goal? Watch 55 hours of uninterrupted content in VR, without breaking the rules, nodding off, or taking off the VR to scratch an itch.
The record attempt is part of Behrend’s Spring Open House, so the public is invited to swing by, check out the tech, and yes—talk to the participants, even while they’re in VR. It’s not just screen time, it’s science-meets-endurance-meets-entertainment.
Meet the Duo Behind the Headsets
Taking on the challenge are Chris Shelton, director of the VAR Lab and a psychology professor, and Lauren Cass, the lab’s immersive tech guru. They’ve got about 50 shows and movies queued up—mostly light comedies.
Armed with Meta Quest Pro headsets, the two will be monitored 24/7 by a support team in Behrend’s Merwin Building. Guinness has strict verification rules, so there’ll be livestreams, flexible cameras, and data collection happening the whole time.
And yes—they get breaks. Five minutes per hour, which they can bank to sneak in a quick nap or stretch.
Why It’s More Than Just a Wild Weekend
Sure, this sounds like a fun and totally off-the-wall challenge (and it is), but it’s also a way to showcase the incredible work happening inside the Behrend VAR Lab. This is where students and researchers are using virtual and augmented reality to build museum exhibits, job training tools, and interactive park displays for real-world clients.
Local partnerships include places like the Hagan History Center and Snap-tite Hose Co., where immersive technology is helping to educate, train, and connect with people in new and meaningful ways.
Family-Friendly Fun with a Tech Twist
So if your kid dreams of being a record-breaker—or just wants to see what it looks like to wear a VR headset for three straight days—this is a chance to get up close to something cool, unique, and totally Erie.
The vibe? Think science fair meets sleepover movie marathon meets high-tech endurance test. And it’s all happening right here, in a way that kids (and parents!) can watch, ask questions, and maybe even get inspired to think big.
So grab the family, swing by the Merwin Building at Penn State Behrend, and show your kids what’s possible when imagination meets innovation—and a whole lot of screen time.
➡️ Get more info about the Penn State Behrend VAR Lab world record attempt.
