Page 1 - TTWINov2020

Special Combo Issue

fall 2020
TEACHING anufacturing

TODAY WI ™ TODAY Wi tM

WISCONSIN’S 4K–12 EDUCATION CONNECTION CONNECTINg & ExplOrINg MANUfACTUrINg IN WISCONSIN

Omro High School Wins 31 Wisconsin School

National Samsung ‘Solve Districts awarded

for Tomorrow’ Contest fab lab grants

(STEM) can be On May 1,
used to solve a 2020, Wisconsin’s
local problem. As Governor and the
a community that Wisconsin Economic
is part of the Lake Development Cor-
Winnebego system, poration (WEDC)
ice fishing is a way today announced that
of life, and falling 31 school districts
through the ice is throughout the state
always a danger. have been awarded
The high school a total of more than
team learned the $690,000 in grants to
engineering design establish or expand
process and col- local fabrication
Last June, on a Facebook Live channel, laborated with scientists and other experts laboratory (fab lab) Fab Lab at Washington Island School District. (See article on page 10)
science and engineering teacher Rob Turner throughout the school year to develop their facilities. A fab lab is a high-technology workshop
and his team of Omro High School students prototype. “The fab lab program remains one of the equipped with computer-controlled manufac-
learned that they were one of the five winners Due to the pandemic, the team had to best ways for students to gain experience in turing components such as 3D printers, laser
of Samsung’s national Solve for Tomorrow meet virtually to prepare for the final competi- the high-tech manufacturing jobs where Wis- engravers, computer numerical control routers
Contest. After advancing through all three tion. This also meant the in-person competition consin leads,” the Governor said. “During the and plasma cutters. Through its Fab Labs Grant
levels of the competition, the Omro High in New York had to be canceled. “They did an current coronavirus crisis, when we’ve needed Program, WEDC is supporting the purchase of
School team answered questions from the awesome job rising to that really unorthodox quick turnaround for protective gear and other fab lab equipment for instructional and educa-
judges in the final round of the competition challenge,” Turner said. “As a teacher, you try medical devices, those manufacturers have tional purposes by elementary, middle, junior
about their robot that can traverse ice with a to prepare them for most of the challenges they become even more important to our state.” high or high school students.
sensor to measure ice thickness in real-time. will run into, but no one could have predicted “WEDC has invested more than $2.8 The following school districts were
“We were the fifth to be announced live,” this. They did a really good job answering the million over the past five years to provide awarded Fab Labs Grants:
Turner said. He spoke with the students over questions the judges had for them.” 77 school districts across the state with the • Merrill Area Public Schools, $15,000
Zoom after the announcement. “Some of the The judges were most interested in the equipment necessary to help students learn
kids-- their hope was fleeting, but I set them up mechanics of how the robot works and plans high-demand skills, including technology, • School District of Brown Deer, $25,000
the day before understanding that they already for the future for continuing with this type of manufacturing and engineering,” said the sec- • Mellen School District, $24,500
won 50 thousand dollars and were the top of technology. Judges were impressed with the retary and CEO of WEDC. “Fab labs benefit • Rice Lake Area School District, $25,000
thousands of schools. They were all freaking fact that the kids had a solid, functioning pro- not only the students themselves with impor- • School District of Beloit Turner, $25,000
out when they heard.” totype. tant technology and career skills, but they also • Milwaukee Public Schools, $25,000
The Samsung Solve for Tomorrow According to Turner, several students benefit Wisconsin employers, who will be able
Contest requires participants to show how to find workers with the right skills to allow • School District of Abbotsford, $15,000
science, technology, engineering, and math Continued on page 5 their companies to grow and thrive.” Continued on page 5

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