Archive for News
THIS YEAR’S RUBE GOLDBERG MACHINE CONTEST WAS A SUCCESS
Over 200 students arrived at Minnesota State University, Mankato the morning of February 12! A steady procession of Rube machines were carried, carted and coaxed up the Centennial Student Union stairs to the ballroom. For the next two hours 31 teams tweaked their Rube Machines to have them competition ready. At 11:30 sharp, five judging teams made up of University faculty and industry representatives worked their way along five rows of machines. Each team was allowed two runs with the best of two making up their final score. Five schools brought their machines forward for the championship run: Loyola High School, Mankato; Southwest Christian High School, Edgerton; St. Clair High School, St. Clair; Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton (JWP) High School, Janesville; and Carlton High School, Carlton. With one chance for 1st place, each school carefully set their machines and waited to perform their one and only run for the judges. Loyola High School took 1st, with Southwest Christian taking 2nd, St. Clair 3rd, JWP and Carlton 4th and 5th respectively. New to this year’s contest was the People’s Choice Award, selected by MSU Engineering students. This first time award went to Southland High School located in Adams. The trophy called “The Roamin’ Rube” will travel throughout the state as each team returns to defend the title of People’s Choice.
Enjoy the pictures of the event and video on You Tube. We certainly enjoyed all of your energy and hard work! We look forward to seeing you all again next year on Friday, February 11, 2011!
Judge Budge and all the Rubes
The Missing Link: What Roles Does STEM Education Play in Creating Jobs and Invigorating the Economy?
By Ron Bennett
Surfing the web, reading the paper and watching the news, we see and hear a lot of interest in STEM education in the K-16 school system. There is even more interest in the economy and creating jobs. But we don’t often hear discussions of the connection between the two. They are inextricably linked, and it’s time we examined how.
Surveys of manufacturers over the past two years in Minnesota have identified several key concerns. They consistently lament that the skill level of employees is not where it needs to be to be competitive in the global economy. The areas of concern most frequently mentioned include analytical/critical thinking, problem solving, innovation & creativity, statistical process control, finance, automation. How do these skills relate to STEM?
STEM is the collective acronym for science, technology, engineering and mathematics. It is usually thought of as curriculum oriented learning in K-12 and post secondary education. It is not often connected to incumbent worker learning. It should be. Of the workers who will be employed in 2020, about 67% are in the workforce today. These individuals need skill enhancement as much as the new workers entering the workforce. So how does STEM fit in?
Science is the process of discovery, of using the scientific method of logical analysis and critical thinking to solve problems. The scientific method is most often thought of as applied to specific subject areas like physics and biology, but in the broader sense it is the process of critical thinking applied to all topics that is universally useful.
Engineering is the process of creativity that leads to innovation. It uses science as a basis and applies these scientific principles to real problems and opportunities to create new and innovative solutions.
Technology is tools. Technology is the product of engineering. Today we often think of technology as related to computers, but in fact technology is any tool that extends the capability of humans to accomplish work. A shoe horn is technology, as is a hammer. It is the process of applying innovative thinking using fundamental scientific principles that creates technologies.
Mathematics is the language of science, engineering and technology. It is also the language of finance, economics and sports. How would you plan your household budget if you didn’t consider income and expenditures numerically? How would you improve a manufacturing process if you didn’t understand statistical process control? How interesting would it be to watch a baseball game if no score were kept, or you didn’t know the batting average of a player?
Industry is calling for improved skills in workers to meet the global competitive challenge. The skills needed to create the competitive workforce of the future – critical thinking, creativity, innovation, understanding finance and automation, the ability to interpret written documents and turn them into products – are the same skills learning through STEM education.
And that’s why a strong STEM is needed for a blossoming economy.
Siemens Awards Technology Training Equipment To Seven U.S. Schools
Press Release By Michael Krampe
ATLANTA, Nov. 24, 2009
Siemens today announced the seven schools that will recieve in-kind donations of automation equipemnt and software as part of its Siemens Automation Cooperates with Education (SCE) program. Designed to help “jump-start” or upgrade technical programs and curriculum with leading edge Siemens automation technologies, more than 60 universities, colleges trade schools and high schools were nominated for the SCE Educational Development Award by Siemens distributors across the country.
The award recipients are Alexandria Technical College, Alexandria, MN; Penn College of Technology, Williamsport, PA; University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV; Kellogg Community College, Battle Creek, MI; Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA; Western Colorado Community College, Grand Junction, CO; and College of the Sequoias, Visalia, CA.
Project Lead The Way(R) Receives National Recognition from the Education Commission of the States
Organization Works to Strengthen Math and Science Education
DENVER, June 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire
The Education Commission of the States (ECS) is pleased to award Project Lead The Way(R) (PLTW) the 2009 ECS Corporate Award. The tribute honors for-profit corporations or non-profit organizations with sustained commitment to and investment in improving public education. The award will be presented by Minnesota Governor and ECS Chair Tim Pawlenty as part of the 2009 National Forum on Education Policy, July 8-10 in Nashville, Tenn.
Collaborating with schools, industry, state government and universities, PLTW works to build future generations of successful engineers and technology savvy graduates. PTLW supports a series of middle and high school courses that are project-centered, problem-based and technology-integrated, preparing students to excel in high-tech fields. With rigorous and relevant context tied to national standards, the program responds to a common student question: “Why do I have to learn this?”
“This is a perfect example of a public/private partnership engaging and challenging students to apply their skills and knowledge to real life situations,” notes ECS President Roger Sampson.
Project Lead The Way leadership believe that when schools apply activities and problem-based learning, they generate an “increase in student motivation, an increase in cooperative learning skills, higher-order thinking and an improvement in student achievement.” Research has shown this to be true. According to an evaluation by High Schools That Work, PLTW students scored significantly higher in both mathematics and science high school assessments. The National Center for Education Statistics 2006-07 True Outcomes report explains that students who participate in PLTW are five times more likely to graduate college as science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) majors than those who do not.
The organization was started in the 1980s in upstate New York by Richard Blais and Richard Liebich, becoming an independent not-for-profit organization in 1997. Today, the program is expanding across the country with an eye to new and engaging curriculum.
“We are extremely honored to receive this award, particularly at a time when our country needs a new generation of innovators to remain economically competitive in the 21st century global economy,” said John Lock, CEO of Project Lead The Way. “We remain committed to attracting more students to science, math, engineering and tech fields in the coming years by expanding the reach of PLTW’s critical-thinking and project-based curriculum to more schools around the country. By helping students apply what they learn in math and science to innovation and real life problem-solving, we can create America’s next “Innovation Generation’ and regain our economic competitive advantage.”
The Education Commission of the States (ECS) is the only nationwide, nonpartisan interstate compact devoted to education. ECS helps governors, legislators, state education officials and others identify, develop and implement public policies to improve student learning at all levels. A nonprofit organization, ECS (www.ecs.org) was formed in 1965 and is located in Denver, Colorado.
Project Lead The Way(R) is a national 501c3, not-for-profit educational program that helps give middle and high school students the rigorous ground-level education they need to develop strong backgrounds in science and engineering. For more information, please visit: http://www.pltw.org.
SOURCE Education Commission of the States Mary Ann Strombitski, +1-303-299 3609, mstrombitski@ecs.org, or Ashley Zaleski +1-303-299-3698, azaleski@ecs.org, both of the Education Commission of the States
Friday Camps at South Central College Increase Pipeline
South Central College is working to increase the pipeline of students pursuing science, technology, engineering, or math careers one Friday at a time. SCC’s Friday Camp offers high school students the opportunity to spend a day involved in either the Computer Integrated Machining Program or the new Mechatronics Program at the North Mankato campus.
Suzanne Nordblom, Dean of Engineering and Construction Technology at SCC, said the idea for Friday Camp came from brainstorming sessions about how to get more students interested in STEM-related programs. “Faculty routinely visited students at their schools, but we were looking to try something new. We wanted to create an experience for students on our campus where they could gain hands-on practice with some of our programs,” she said.
The Minnesota Center for Engineering and Manufacturing Excellence has been involved in Friday Camp from the beginning. As the idea took shape, SCC requested and received financial support from MNCEME. Nordblom said, “MNCEME grants provide funding for project materials fees and lunch. Their support allows us to offer the Friday Camp to schools free of charge.”
Jeff Fischer, SCC Computer Integrated Machining instructor who was instrumental in getting the Friday Camp program started, works to give visiting students the best experience possible. And it seems to be working. “Students use design and fabrication software to machine a piece of aluminum. The excitement in the room during the project is palpable. It is almost like Christmas morning when the students see their piece produced,” said Fischer. In addition to the hands-on project, the Camp includes lunch with a presentation from the civil engineering faculty and a campus tour including production labs and recreation facilities.
Friday Camp is a lot more exciting than having an SCC instructor stand in front of the class and explain their program—no matter how dynamic the instructor may be. “We know the Friday Camp is effective as a recruitment tool because we have former Friday Camp attendees who are enrolled in our CIM program,” said Fischer. “These college students now help with Camp, mentoring students from their alma mater and other high schools.”
Fischer is impressed with the caliber of students who participate. “It is unbelievable how quickly they can retrain themselves and learn new software,” said Fischer. “And they ask amazingly well-thought-out questions about industry software, wages and long-term career options.”
In return, high schools seem to be impressed with Friday Camp, some visiting several times. “The response to the Camp has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Nordblom. Currently, Friday Camp is offered five or six times per semester; however, demand is growing and special requests, such as a girls-only camp, are being made. Although the program is only available with either the Computer Integrated Machining Program or the new Mechatronics Program at this time, SCC is eager to expand and include other programs.
Getting trained and qualified people into the manufacturing and engineering workforce is vital to Minnesota’s economic growth. And Friday Camp is another innovative example of how MNCEME members are working to increase the pipeline of students pursuing STEM-related careers.
Center of Excellence Awarded Continuing Funding
Minnesota’s Centers for Excellence which include the Center for Engineering & Manufacturing Excellence, have been awarded continuing funding for fiscal years 2010 and 2011. Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs Linda Baer announced in a memo date June 3, 2009 that the Centers will be funded at approximately $4M, reflecting a 12% funding reduction from past awards. “My expectation is this funding level will assist each Center in maintaining momentum and the current and planned initiatives presented earlier this year by each Center of Excellence,” states Baer.
“This funding will allow the Center to continue to move forward with strategic initiatives that support Minnesota’s industry sector,” says Dr. Ronald Bennett, Executive Director for the Center. “Building an educated, technically skilled pool of workers is critical to Minnesota’s economic success both nationally and globally. Our goal is to increase that pipeline flow across the full spectrum of people pursuing STEM careers.”
Alexandria Technical College Provides Integrated Manufacturing Training Model
In the constantly changing world of manufacturing, responsiveness is measured in weeks, not years. Things need to move quickly. But, rapid and expansive response to industry needs can be unsettling to a traditional institution. Changing educational programs can be an arduous and expensive proposition. All real and potential consequences must be considered. Alexandria Technical College found a way to balance thoughtful change with industry needs through an integrated manufacturing training model that provides technical training for multiple audiences—from high school to industry.
MNCEME, Alexandria Technical College (one of MNCEME’s partners) and area leaders in manufacturing worked side-by-side to develop a new concept in manufacturing training. No longer would education be stuck in the classroom as the sole responsibility of the institution, nor would it be an isolated class developed specifically for one company’s employees. This unique customized training model spans the entire spectrum of need.
The idea began when Alex Extrusion expressed a need for ‘super machinists’—skilled machinists who also understand business and technology. The company had recently purchased a robotic cell and approached ATC about securing the same equipment as a training vehicle. In collaboration with area manufacturers, ATC, and MNCEME, funding was secured for new equipment; however, that was part of the plan. Alexandria Technical College and the Minnesota Center for Engineering and Manufacturing Excellence recognized an opportunity beyond the addition of state-of-the-art equipment to the lab.
A vision of an innovative manufacturing training model was developed. It included a manufacturing concepts training center to support entry-level manufacturing curriculum and independent use of the equipment to support advanced training. Cutting-edge technology and experienced educators would be available at various levels: PLTW camps and high school extreme technology challenges; two year technical programs; entry-level and advanced incumbent worker training; and, perhaps someday, an engineering skills center.
The request from industry energized ATC. The ability to view change as an opportunity and program flexibility, which allows educational institutions to quickly respond to industry needs, are best practices that are paramount to the success of MNCEME partners and the Minnesota economy.
For more information about the integrated manufacturing training model program, please contact
Chad Coauette, Dean of Customized Training, Alexandria Technical College, 1-320-762-4403
Center Awards over $225K to Minnesota Colleges
MARCH 2009 – With one in ten jobs based in manufacturing, and even more in manufacturing related areas, over 800,000 jobs or 29% of Minnesota’s workforce currently supplies, builds, or designs a manufactured product.
“These job numbers are real people who know the manufacturing business,” says Dr. Ronald Bennett, Executive Director of the Minnesota Center for Engineering & Manufacturing Excellence. “Given educational opportunities to develop advanced skills and knowledge of emerging technology, they will continue to be Minnesota’s greatest asset as we recover from this recession.”
Committed to maximizing Minnesota’s talent, the Center for Engineering & Manufacturing Excellence awarded nearly a quarter-million dollars to four partner colleges to develop educational opportunities for manufacturers.
Alexandria Technical College, Alexandria, MN
Awarded $53,947, Alexandria Technical College Customized Training Division will deliver distance-based training to over 60 technicians employed by Douglas Machine, LLC, Alexandria, MN, and Boise Paper (Boise) in International Falls. The project, titled LongWire, remotely delivers programmable logic control training on live – not simulated – industrial hardware and software. Employees are able to stay on the job site to acquire additional advanced skills.
“The LongWire concept gives industry a strong competitive edge through training that provides flexibility and efficient use of employee time – ultimately a significant cost savings and addition to industry’s bottom line,” says Chad Coauette, Dean of Customized Training for Alexandria Technical College.
Aligning with the Center’s strategic goal to equip manufacturers with an educated workforce, Alexandria Technical College was awarded $50,000 to develop a high school mentor program. The mentor program provides training for high school instructors and provides access to equipment needed to learn advanced computerized machining. The machines will be located at participating high schools, with teachers receiving training during summer camps held on the Alexandria Tech campus.
“The grant provides a career path for students permitting them to move from entry level skills to advanced manufacturing machining and design skills by letting them earn college credits while in high school. Students can complete a college degree in less time and for lower cost,” comments Dr. Jan Doebbert, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Alexandria Technical College.
Anoka Technical College, Anoka, MN
A recent gift of $1Million worth of metal-forming equipment from the Amada Corporation gave Anoka Technical College the base for a metal-forming program. With a grant of $54,000 from the Center, Anoka will develop curriculum and set-up the newly acquired equipment.
“Anoka Technical Collage has significant new capacity and capability to train students in the area of metal-forming because of the Center grant,” says Bob Evans, faculty member. “Metal-forming companies in Minnesota compete successfully on a world-wide basis; however, they tell the Center that the shortage of skilled and creative problem-solvers is their biggest problem. With this new training capability, Anoka Tech will provide companies with the talented workers necessary to stimulate Minnesota’s economy, today and into the future.”
Northeast Higher Education District, Itasca Community College, Grand Rapids. MN
“Many new major industries are ready to start up on the Iron Range including Polymet, Mesabi Nugget, and Essar Steel. These three industries alone will need up to 70 engineers each just to get to full capacity. Coupled with the region’s typical need for about 25
engineers per year, regional needs will be substantially elevated,” explains Ron Ulseth, Itasca Community College engineering faculty and professional engineer.
In response to the region’s growing need, Ulseth and colleagues from Itasca Community College originated Iron Range Engineering Academy which will offer a unique approach to engineering education and provide engineering degree completion programs in Northeast Minnesota. Active participation is the hallmark of the Academy.
“This new pool of engineers, mentored and educated by industry as well as traditional faculty, will serve two major purposes. First, as a resource for new companies looking to move to the area. The companies would likely be ‘value-added’ industries that take as their
input the output of the mineral companies and produce a product to be shipped. Without a supply of engineers and technicians, these companies will not be able to locate here,” Ulseth comments. “The second major purpose will be to become the innovators, the engineers who develop new technologies that will spawn further industry growth in the region.”
South Central College, North Mankato, MN
With a grant of $19,500 from the Center, South Central College will develop an additional facet to their mechatronics program that allows remote access to a robotic cell. Prospective students will learn to program the cell to carry out tasks. Robots are commonly used for repetitive manufacturing tasks.
“Because the curriculum will be delivered remotely, exposure to South Central’s Mechatronics program is simplified and convenient — especially for today’s dislocated worker. This is an accessible program that will help prepare them for new employment opportunities,” says Doug Laven, Director of the Center for Mechatronics at South Central College.
High school and college students will also have the ability to participate in this program. Students will be able to perform a series of tasks to manipulate the robot and view the results in real time from their classroom through an online vision system at South Central
College’s mechatronics classroom. This enables schools to teach robotics to their students without purchasing expensive robotic hardware.
