ROBOTICS FIRES ACROSS ALL FIVE OF THE STEAM CORE
As world and workforce complexity escalates, so does the need for individuals equipped with the knowledge and skills to tackle tough problems. They need to be able to gather info, evaluate and synthesize it, and create and present effective solutions.
Today, relatively few students are proficient in the core subjects of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) and even fewer express interest in pursuing these fields beyond high school. Increasingly, educators and students alike seek hands-on, sustainable, and cost-effective approaches to engaging young people in STEAM--from elementary school to middle school to high school and beyond.
PROBLEMS CAUSED BY STEAM-DEFICIENCIES
THAT'S WHERE VEX ROBOTICS COMES IN
By its nature, the study of competitive robotics not only encompasses all four pillars of STEAM education, it also encourages important life skills like teamwork, communication, and project-based organization.
The Robotics Education & Competition (REC) Foundation exists to bring this exciting experience to students all over the globe through the VEX IQ Challenge, VEX Robotics Competition, and VEX U.
The MN Robotics Competition Program provides elementary, middle school, and high school-age youth as well as college students with unique opportunities to participate in high-quality and affordable STEAM-based competitive robotics programs and competitions using the VEX Robotics platform. These programs serve as a tool for student engagement in STEAM, while also developing critical life skills and preparing students for the 21st-century workforce.
SOME STEAM CAREER STATS
According to the St. Cloud Technical & Community College (SCTCC) Career Info, the following are placement rates and average pay for some STEAM-based careers.
The trades in construction, manufacturing, and transportation programs at SCTCC get you prepared for the workplace in these high-demand, high-paying career field with options.
SCTCC works with industry partners to make sure its programs offer the most up-to-date equipment training and skills.
CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMS
Students will get a well-rounded, basic construction background, along with computer-aided drafting (CAD) skills that will prepare them for success in the business world. They can expect to study construction technology, materials, design, blueprint reading, and architectural, structural, and civil drafting techniques.
Students learn skills like safety, framing, roofing, blueprint reading, and cabinet building and estimating. They will put their skills to work in residential construction, light and heavy commercial construction, highway and heavy bridgework, cabinetry and millwork.
Students will learn basic principals of electrical work and train in AC and DC motor and generator theory, transformers, lighting, three-phase systems, motor control, solid state, variable frequency drives, and programmable logic controls. They will wire and maintain electrical systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
Students will learn about residential and commercial installation, service, and maintenance of heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems, including troubleshooting electrical controls and motors.
Students will learn surveying and drafting techniques along with design and construction practices that involve sewer, water, streets, roads, and land surveying. They will be skilled in modern surveying equipment, computer applications, computer-aided drafting and design, and surveying methods.
Students will learn installation of fixtures, pipe threading, the tools and equipment used, water supply, drainage systems, fabrication and testing, maintenance and repair, and hydronic heating. They will also learn to read blueprints, plumbers' math, Plumbing Code, and trade knowledge.
Students will learn the processes of getting water from its source, treatment, distribution, collection, and treatment again on its way back to the source. They will also learn to identify, troubleshoot, and solve problems they might see in the treatment process.MANUFACTURING PROGRAMS
Students will learn how to use machine tools such as lathes, mills, grinders, drill-presses, computers, and CNC machines. They will also gain skills to read blueprints and written instructions to convert various materials in intricate, precise, usable parts.
Students will learn how to create parts, assemblies, and drawings for a variety of applications using 2D and 3D CADD software. They will learn how to design a product from the early stages of the concept to a completed set of drawings ready for manufacturing.
Students interested in Robotics & Industrial Controls can choose to major in instrumentation & process control or mechatronics & automation.
Students learn a variety of techniques, including Shielded Metal Arc Welding, Oxy-Acetylene Welding and Brazing, Gas Metal Arc Welding, Gas Tungsten Arc Welding, fuel gas, robotic welding, and plasma cutting. They will also learn the skills of metallurgy, fabrication and equipment, automated machining, CADD, blueprint reading, and safety procedures.TRANSPORTATION PROGRAMS
Students will learn skills related to regular maintenance, diagnosing, testing, and repairing systems and components of aircraft, including body, engine, landing gear, and electrical systems. Students will have the opportunity to test for a mechanic certificate with an airframe and powerplant rating.
Students can expect to learn fundamental repair skills such as metal straightening, body filler application, and sanding of different substrates. They will also experience mild and high strength steel welding using MIG welding standards set by the industry.
Students will learn how to use the latest equipment for wheel alignment, engine performance, electrical and electronic diagnosis, brakes, air conditioning, engine service, and drivetrain repair.
Students will learn skills to manage truck computers, diesel engines, electrical systems, suspension, air-brakes, power train, and emissions. There are also opportunities to learn welding and work with compressed natural gas (CNG) and alternative fuel systems.Not quite sure yet?
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