Page 6 - TTWIWinter2024V2
P. 6
STEM
Page 6 Electronic Edition: www.teachingtodaywi.com
Robust STEM Programs Set Students Up for Success in Oshkosh
school. In the world of work, students are able Lastly, in addition to the wide selection
to take graphic arts concepts and excel in mar- of STEM and career-focused courses, the
keting, publishing, product development, and oshkosh Area School District’s School2Work
more. (S2W) program partners with local manufac-
Coding and programming skills turers to provide an immersive paid capstone
are also fundamental across STEM fields. experience for high school seniors. Students
oshkosh students enrolled in robotics begin in the S2W program take classes that meet
by learning how to use basic pseudocode and their high school credit requirements but that
different robotic sensors and processes. At have been reimagined and are taught through
oshkosh North, the annual bottlebot compe- a manufacturing lens. They get paid to work
tition has become a highly anticipated and for an area company for four hours during the
engaging learning experience. Teams design, school day, and they take technical courses at
build, and program battlebots that compete in the technical college’s Advanced Manufactur-
an exciting mid-year competition. Strategic ing and Technical Center.
thinking and troubleshooting come together STEM education teaches students to
with coding abilities. Robotics students at approach problems methodically, think criti-
oshkosh West also take their learning to the cally, and develop perseverance and creativity
field, programming robots to do a variety of in solving challenges. The analysis, collabora-
tasks including playing soccer. tion, communication, and technical aptitudes
The engineering courses available at gained are invaluable for any career. hands-
oshkosh North and oshkosh West blend aca- on application in the oshkosh STEM and
Katie Nieman demic rigor with projects and certifications. In welding and manufacturing courses, engineering programs reinforces these skills
Communication Director The curriculum mirrors college classes, allow- oshkosh high school students develop key while introducing various professions. With
Oshkosh Area School District ing students to earn technical college credit metalworking skills like welding and machin- this exposure and development, oshkosh
ing. Advanced manufacturing students at
oshkosh West and oshkosh North high and industry-recognized certification - spe- oshkosh West are putting their abilities into high school students gain awareness and the
Schools provide robust STEM and engineer- cifically, Autodesk Certified User - Inventor. practice building wood-burning rocket stoves, ability to purposefully chart their academic
ing programs to set students up for success. Students apply the engineering design process combining their welding expertise with engi- and career paths.
Courses offer hands-on learning, mirror in challenges like the egg drop, practicing crit- neering design principles. In addition, students
real-world applications, and connect to local ical analysis and problem-solving. Students in these courses are taking dual credit through
business and industry. also have access to 3D printers and are able to FVTC, earning college credits while still in www.oshkosh.k12.wi.us
Woodworking reflects the construction explore additive manufacturing. high school. The dual credit partnership allows
industry in the area. Students create practi- students to get a head start on their post-sec-
cal projects like chopping blocks and end ondary training in welding and manufacturing
tables, learning various wood techniques. fields.
CNC machine operation is taught in advanced Many other courses at oshkosh North and
woodworking classes, providing relevant oshkosh West provide students with STEM
experience with automated equipment used by exposure including construction, metals,
manufacturers. As part of the district’s com- electronics, mechatronics, auto/home mainte-
mitment to preparing the future workforce, nance, architecture, drafting, 3D design, and
students are also able to receive industry rec- machining. This range covers diverse indus-
ognized credentials. In woodworking, that tries and allows students to discover passions
includes Autodesk Certified User - AutoCAD to shape future plans.
and Woodwork Career Alliance Core Creden- beyond the classroom, students are regu-
tial. larly engaging in unique business tours and
Graphic arts taps into creativity, allow- field trips to connect learning to potential
ing students to follow the full design process careers that are available in oshkosh. Eye-
for products like t-shirts, notepads, stamps, opening experiences include participating in
stickers, and signage using Adobe Illustrator. the technical college’s hands-on, high-Tech
Industry certification in this software is also Event and the Manufacturing First Expo field
available, helping students get a leg up on trip, as well as an immersive visit to the oper-
their post-secondary plans while still in high
ating Engineers Local 139 each year.
BUILD A CAREER WORKING WITH HEAVY EQUIPMENT
Learn about Operating Engineers Apprenticeships
and our State-of-the-Art Training Center
Contact us at (715) 228-4911
or visit: www.139training.org