9th, 10th, 11th, 12th Grades  Project 2 weeks

ProtoPrint: From Pixels to Prototypes!

Barbara V
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The Challenge

Educational institutions face the challenge of providing hands-on STEM learning experiences due to limited access to digital manufacturing tools and resources. This gap hinders the development of essential skills needed for innovation and problem-solving in diverse fields, impacting the ability to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in advanced manufacturing and industrial design.
Challenge Question
How can high school students leverage digital manufacturing techniques to create innovative solutions that address real-world challenges faced by industries and communities today?

Learning Partners and Clients

Hockmeyer Equipment Industries, located in Elizabeth City, NC, serves as a valuable learning partner for this project. Their expertise in manufacturing equipment provides students with insights into real-world applications of digital manufacturing and rapid prototyping. By touring their facilities, students can observe industry-standard practices and connect their classroom experiences to professional environments. This partnership enhances the authenticity of the learning experience by demonstrating how skills developed in the course are applied in the field.

Phase Outcomes

Phase Learning Outcome
Discover
I can identify the challenge and its root causes by engaging in a hands-on launch activity that stimulates curiosity and conviction about the problem.
Examine
I can research the causes and effects of the challenge through tasks like analyzing case studies and conducting interviews, which deepen my understanding of the problem.
Engineer
I can develop a solution that effectively addresses the problem, using design thinking and collaborative planning to create a tangible impact.
Do
I can implement my solution in a real-world context, collect data on its effectiveness, and refine it based on testing outcomes.
Share
I can share my built solution and personal growth journey with an authentic audience, engaging them through interactive presentations that highlight my learning and self-discovery.