Tech Ed

Gateway to Technology - Part 1 is a critical thinking curriculum that focuses on engineering and creative problem solving.

• Intro to Engineering
• English and Metric Measurement
• The Design Process
• Technical Sketching
• Computer Aided Design (CAD) & Advanced Manufacturing (3D Printing)
• Prototyping & Safety
• Automation (Robotics)

Gateway to Technology - Part 2 is an engaging curriculum that focuses on technology and how to use it.

• Automation (Robotics)
• Measurement Review
• Simple Machines - Part 1
• Computer Aided Design (CAD) & Advanced Manufacturing (3D Printing)
• Simple Machines - Part 2

Who: Subaru of Indiana Automotive donated a grant to Wea Ridge Middle School to purchase two 3D printers.

What: The 3D printers that were purchased are the Lulzbot Taz 6. Our classes use PLA material.

When: The grant was received in December and assembled in February of 2017.

Where: The 3D printers can be found in the engineering and technology workroom.

Why: Autodesk Inventor, a computer aided design (CAD) software, is used in the Project Lead the Way curriculum. While Inventor is a powerful learning tool, many students find themselves overwhelmed with the assignments and lose interest. The printers were purchased to encourage students to continue learning CAD and eventually print their very own product!

Who: The Wea Ridge Middle School engineering and technology department received grants from Wabash National and Lowe's to purchase EV3 robots.

What: Lego Mindstorm NXT and EV3 robots are beginner level robots designed for students 6 - 12. Their simple building and programming make a streamlined experience for fun and learning!

When: The EV3's were received in May of 2017.

Where: The EV3 and NXT robots can be found in the engineering and technology workroom.

Why: In a rapidly growing industrial economy, gone are the days of manual labor and in are the days of automation. Students will learn about why and how automation is important as well as gain strong theoretical thinking, using the Lego Mindstorms, to be successful in this ever-changing industrial workforce.

I am a 2006 Purdue University Graduate in Technology Education, and currently split my day between McCutcheon High School and Wea Ridge Middle School.

Our world is constantly changing and every day new technology is impacting the way we live our lives. It is my goal to help students realize that engineering and technology is a part of every aspect of their daily life, and they can play a part in shaping what the world looks like in the future.

I have a love for technology and sharing my knowledge with students to help them explore potential career paths upon their completion of high school.