How well do you know the Engineering Design Process (EDP)? How well do your students know it? If you answered “not at all” to either of those questions, think again.

You likely follow some of the steps in your everyday activities. The focus of the EDP is problem solving. I’m sure you’ve problem solved already today. Deciding what to wear, which errands to complete, and where to eat are examples of everyday situations where you subconsciously use the EDP. Let’s review the steps to see if you agree.

1. The first step in the process is Ask. For example, you can ask, “Where am I going to eat today?”
2. After you know what the problem is, you then need to brainstorm solutions. This is the Imagine step. For our example, you consider restaurants in the vicinity or what food you have at home.
3. Next, you come up with a Plan. Your plan might be to go home and make lunch, or maybe you are going to the fast food joint a few blocks away.
4. The following step is to Create your solution. If you go home for lunch, you are most likely making it. However, if you choose fast food, someone else is making it for you. Either way, you carry out your plan.
5. The final step is Improve. If you make your own lunch, this step is fairly easy to understand. Did you like what you made? Is there something you would do differently next time? How can you make it better? If you go to the fast food joint, this step is still applicable. Did you take the best route to get there? Did you like what you ordered? Would you order something different next time?

EDP IN PITSCO MAKER SPACES
The Engineering Design Process is something we use more often than we realize. However, many kids today do not have this same skill set and often lack problem-solving skills. So, let’s look at how a Pitsco Maker Space Project can be used to teach the EDP. The KaZoon Kite Maker Project spans all three of our leveled makerspace packages.

• Ask (prompt) – Give your students a problem or prompt to solve. For example, build a three-dimensional (could be 2-D for elementary) kite composed of at least four tetrahedrons.
• Imagine – Ask your students to brainstorm their designs. They could draw them, write about them, discuss them, or utilize technology. The sky’s the limit, and it’s okay if they use different strategies.
• Plan – Whether the students are working individually or in a group, they need to pick one design.
• Create – This is the best step because students are able to get their hands on the materials and build something. This is where they learn perseverance, teamwork, and determination. This is the step where they get to make it their own!
• Improve – After making their kites, students will need to test them. Do the kites satisfy the given prompt/problem? Do they fly? Is there anything the students would like to change to make the kites better?

After your students start using the EDP, it will come more naturally. After a while, they won’t even think about it being a process. They will just solve problems, and that’s exactly what you want them to do.

ITC: Building the Workforce of Tomorrow
Today's economy requires workforce members to possess a range of technical skills that can be used in team-based environments, so current students must develop both specialized hands-on skills and essential workplace skills like problem solving, teamwork and effective communication. 

Amatrol's Integrated Technology Concepts (ITC) program offers technical skills training across a wide range of real-world areas through project-based learning while interweaving essential workplace skills through team-based projects. This combination of skills and knowledge will put students on a path toward exciting career opportunities in areas like supply chain, automated distribution, engineering, medical, and more.

Strong STEM Integration Facilitates College Credit, Industrial Certification Prep
In addition to essential workplace skills, ITC emphasizes STEM skills. Combining STEM skills with hands-on applications helps to meld theory and practice in student's mind, which will assist them in knowledge retention and building skills for more advanced concepts. This STEM integration allows for many schools to establish transferable college credit hours for ITC courses. 

Amatrol's ITC proram is also a strong foundation in preparation for several industrial certification. Amatrol partners with organizations including NIMS, MSSC, ITEEA, and more for certifications like MSSC's Certifiied Production Technician and NIMS' Industrial Technology Maintenance certifications. 

Foundational Systems for Successful Careers
The first step of ITC is Amatrol's Enterprise Systems courses, which provides the framework for integrating multiple technical skills successfully using teamwork. Students begin by exploring different technology sectors before studying team concepts, product design, business presentations, internet research, and much more. 

ITC Quick Facts

• Amatrol's ITC 96-product line features 44 available courses covering 148 multimedia modules and 867 skills
• Flexible content can be adjusted based on student, school or community goals
• Self-directed as well as student-led instruction
• Authentic assessment ensures real skill development
• Basic and advanced levels available for high schools and colleges

Want to learn more about this (or any other Industrial Technology program from Amatrol)? Contact Moss for an in-depth look today. 

Afinia is always looking to improve the user experience for educators, which is why they asked for your feedback, and incorporated your suggestions into the new and improved H800+. The updated 3D printer includes: 

• Fully-enclosed system with HEPA filtration
• Fully-automated platform leveling and height sensing
• *WiFi Connectivity
• *Power loss print recovery and “out of filament” pause switch
• *Customizable nozzle and platform temperatures
• 30% faster
• Ultra-fine 100-micron print resolution
• One button filament color changing
• *Upgraded printhead and gantry system
• Smart support material technology
• Easy filament spool loading
  

*  New to the H800+

Award-Winning InnovationThe Afinia H800+ 3D printer won the RAPID 2015 Exhibitor Innovation Award, which recognizes the most innovative new products or services exhibited at RAPID that are judged to have the greatest potential impact on the industry. Afinia 3D was selected as the recipient by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers’ (SME) Rapid Technologies & Additive Manufacturing (RTAM) Committee.
TechZone 360 also chose the Afinia H800+ 3D Printer for their 2015 3D Printing Excellence Award, citing Afinia 3D as a leader within the 3D printing industry. The TechZone 360 3D Printing Excellence Award identifies products, services, and applications that are driving the growth and evolution of 3D Printing from niche market hype to mainstream reality.
Learn More
This printer boasts the largest print surface for large-format designs, and superior print resolution to similar 3D printers on the market. Download an updated spec sheet, or contact Moss for more information. 

Weigh in: will these improvements make a difference in your classroom? How will you incorporate this updated technology? 

​Whether you are building a Makerspace of Fab Lab, you have undoubtedly considered a CNC Router. CNC technology is a key component of fabrication, but the technology is as diverse as the applications. CNC equipment is designed to route, carve, drill, and engrave in wood, plastic, foam, aluminum and other materials for a wide range of applications.
 
CNC routers, plasma cutters and laser equipment make it easy and exciting for educators to prepare students for the technical manufacturing jobs of tomorrow. Students understand modern manufacturing challenges, turning design concepts into reality on industry standard equipment.
 
Choosing a CNC Router
When choosing a CNC Router, consider the following components:

• Quality: Economical and Technologically Advanced CNC Control Systems - Techno CNC’s high performance industrial quality CNC equipment enables students to learn on full scale production systems guaranteeing that they are well prepared for real-world applications upon entry into the workforce.
• Ease of Use: User-friendly, with a short learning curve - Techno CNC’s routers, plasmas cutters and laser equipment make it easy for educators to prepare students for the technical manufacturing jobs of tomorrow. Students can quickly and easily assimilate the new technology and how it can be applied to real world circumstances.
• Compatibility with available CAD/CAM Software - Open architecture that works with all industry standard software programs is essential. This enables educational institutes the flexibility to integrate their CNC’s throughout a variety of STEM electives and curriculums, such as manufacturing, architectural design, prototying, and pre-engineering.
• Curriculum: Learning with certified instructors - FANUC’s comprehensive curriculum teaches the critical aspects of CNC machine setup, operation and programming using industry-leading equipment and providing sufficient repetition to ensure effective learning.  Student certification requires passing both an academic and practical skills test to ensure competence. 
• System Integration - With FANUC’s Certified Education CNC Training program, students will first write, edit and proof programs using 3D solid model animation in NCGuide software running on a PC.  Using a USB memory stick, they then transfer the part program from NCGuide to the CNC on the machine either in the classroom and/or a workshop and then perform setup and testing.
• Resources: Tools and Resources make the difference – From live training, webinars, guides, and back-end support, it is important to choose a provider that will ensure you are successful in your classroom.

 
At Moss, we represent Techno CNC Systems, FANUC, and ez Router – we can provide options based on your program goals and budget considerations. Let us help  you develop your FabLab or Makerspace.
 
Tell us – what is the single biggest consideration you have when looking at CNC Routers? 

Are you looking for ideas on how to integrate 3D printing into your existing STEM curriculum? You're not alone! Project-based learning and 3D printing are pivotal avenues for teaching STEM subjects, engaging students on new levels, and preparing them for future careers. Afinia offers several 3D Printing STEM Kits, which support project-based learning in the classroom.

Each pack comes with student workbooks and a teacher’s guide to help you seamlessly integrate the projects into your curriculum.

Available STEM Kits include:

• Derby Dash - This is a great STEM project for teachers to further teaching on topics such as electric motors, gears, kinematics and basic principles of physics, such as the conservation of energy.
• Balance Bot - In this project, students get to design and build their own robot, while learning about servo and stepper motors. The science of simple machines is also a focus of this lesson.
• Spirobot - Enrich students’ understanding of robotics, mechanics, simple programming mathematics, and art. Students will use browser-based programming apps to direct the Spirobot.
• Heart Rate Watch - In this project students will design, print, and build their very own heart rate monitor. This project is great for further teaching on topics such as 2D drawings, electrical energy storage, voltage conversion and electronics.
• LED Digital Clock - In this project, students will design, print, and then build their very own LED digital clock. This is a great STEM project for teachers to do further teaching on topics such as time, temperature, LEDs, and electronics.
• Solar Battery Charger - In this project, students will design, print, and build their very own solar battery charger. This is a great STEM project for teachers to do further teaching on topics such as solar power, renewable energy, and electronics.
• USB Power Bank - In this project, you’ll learn about the basics of 2D drawings, interpreting 2D drawings, CAD modeling, 3D printing, and assembling electronic components. A great project to enhance lessons in electricity!
• M.I.R.A - 5 Axis Mini Industrial Robot Arm - Robotics and 3d printers are the fastest technologies used in education and research. MIRA is the ideal platform for teaching for teaching Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) principles at all levels.
• Mini Boom Box - Turn up the music! Students can build a speaker that connects to their phone, MP3 player, or other portable device. This project is great for further teaching on topics such as sound and sound waves, amplifiers and speakers, circuit diagrams and electronics.
• Night Light - In this project, you’ll learn about the basics of design and development, following design requirements, market research, creating and developing concepts, CAD modeling, 3D printing, and assembly electronic components.

Integrating 3D printing into existing STEM programs is easy with these project-based units. Learn more - download this informational file today, or contact your Education Specialist for more information. 

​When business works with local high school to develop and implement certification programs, the results can have a long term impact on the community:

According to the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), the skill gap for entry level workers in advanced manufacturing is growing at a startling rate. With approximately 30% of jobs requiring technical skills and only 17% of graduates having them, you can see how alarming this trend is. High Schools like Doss High School are looking to reverse this trend by offering students the chance to earn stackable credentials that they can take with them to any job:

• Safety
• Maintenance Awareness
• Quality and Continuous Improvement
• Manufacturing Processes and Production

 
These core competencies, taught by Amatrol through the MSSC certification program, helps graduates feel more comfortable and confident in job placements, feel more agile and communicate more effectively. The certifications are stackable credentials recognized by business and industry, and can give students a competitive advantage when applying for manufacturing positions.
 
These programs are specifically designed for High Schools, and can complement core content in science, math, and other areas – which creates a win-win for schools!
 
Learn more: contact an Education Specialist to learn about the certification options available for your high school students. 

Does your design and engineering program have a Fab Lab? If not, your students may be missing some key opportunities. Fab Labs are popping up in colleges and technical centers, offering tools and technology enabling students to create and refine. A Fab Lab, short for Fabrication Lab, is ideal for students to design and create prototypes, and is filled with tools designed to enable students through the design process. Fab Labs are most popular in schools with strong engineering and design progams.
 
While each Fab Lab is different, they have similar components. If you are designing a Fab Lab, consider implementing these elements:

1. Design Tools – From computers, design software and CAD tools, design is an important element. Many schools we talked with offered File Assistance. All 3D file formats are prone to errors in geometry. Successful Fab Labs will supply file review and assistance for students designing .STL files, helping students troubleshoot designs before production.
2. 3D Printers – 3D printers, also known as 3D rapid-prototypers, are capable of taking digital geometry in the form of a stereolithographic file (.STL) and producing small models. 3D printers come in a variety of price points, and print in a variety of materials. Check out options from 3D Systems here.
3. 3D Scanners – 3D laser scanning, the process of converting physical objects into precise digital models, enables you to quickly and accurately capture your object’s shape and geometries. This process supplies you with a complete digital representation of your part to be used for reverse engineering, quality inspection or at any point of a typical manufacturing cycle. 3D Scanners are available in several price points, from Afinia and 3D Systems.
4. Laser Engravers – Laser cutting and engraving is a very versatile process used to cut or engrave numerous materials including wood, leather, acrylic, anodized aluminum, Formica, and even mother of pearl. It can also be used engrave and mark some metals, marble, and stone to create a variety of projects. The laser cutter excels even with fine, intricate work. Universal Laser Systems can customize lasers based on your need.
5. CNC Routers and CNC Plasma Cutters– CNC equipment is designed to route, carve, drill, and engrave in wood, plastic, foam, aluminum and other materials for a wide range of applications. Plasma Cutters are extremely useful for cutting sheet metal in curved or angled shapes. Cost-effective CNC Routers are available from Techno CNC Systems, EZ Router, and FANUC.

 
Fab Labs can complement in-class instruction, and provide a “lab” environment for coursework. We want to hear from you – are you considering adding a Fab Lab? What tools are you looking for to complete (or begin) your Fab Lab design?

We hear a lot about how important it is for today’s students to develop 21st century skills, in addition to ‘the basics.' The 4 C's (Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, and Creativity) are often described as the ‘new basics.’ Learn how 3D design and printing can help students develop these vital new basics on Makers Empire's blog.

We want to hear from you -- do you use 3D printing in your classroom? How is it helping you teach the 4 C's of Education? 

​Consider this student: Abby is an agriculture student who was raised on a family farm. She sees her dad struggle with the same piece of equipment year after year. She thinks she has a simple solution. Her school has a Makerspace, and she has printed a part in 3D that she thinks will solve the problem. She has talked with her instructor about sharing the same design to other local farmers that have the same issue as her dad.
 
Is Abby ready for an Entrepreneurship course?
 
Entrepreneurs come in all shapes and sizes. While Abby is looking for a simple solution to a recurring problem, and is looking to share her solution with others. She has the shades of being a developing Entrepreneur.
 
Entrepreneurship coursework used to live in the Business departments almost exclusively. As we deepen our understanding about how entrepreneurs views obstacles, assess risk, develop solutions, innovate and solve problems, we are beginning to realize that Entrepreneurship coursework can benefit not only business students, but also agriculture students, engineering students, design students…  In short, anyone who innovates and problem solves could benefit from the framework laid out in Entrepreneurship coursework.
 
Entrepreneurship coursework is designed to provide:

• Structure – successful entrepreneurs typically follow an established process from development to market.
• “Real World” Feedback – is the idea viable? Is this feasible? Cost-effective? Community and industry experts can guide students as they examine these questions.
• A safe space to Fail – every idea needs to be revised and refined. With the proper tools, students can try and fail, refine and try again in the classroom with smart tools, from CAD, 3D Printing, Robotics, and any other number of tools. Each “failure” is a critical part of the overall development process.

 
Many schools are looking to develop entrepreneurship coursework. We can help schools connect the dots with smart tools from Pitsco Education (STEM framework) and Startup Genius (Entrepreneurship).
 
Tell us: what are you looking for in an Entrepreneurship program? 

​Despite their tuxedoed appearance, penguins aren’t always well mannered. In the aftermath of one particular penguin scuffle among endangered African Penguins at Mystic Aquarium, Yellow/Purple (AKA “Purps”) was found to have a nonfunctional flexor tendon in her ankle. Much like an injury to a person’s Achilles heel, damage to a penguin’s flexor tendon leads to pain and difficulty in motion.

Once Purps’ injury was identified, the veterinary staff at Mystic Aquarium took action with a handmade boot to immobilize, protect and support the damaged foot. Yet the animal care team knew more modern solutions were available that would not only be more durable and less cumbersome for the small bird, but also require less time than handcrafting the boot. Mystic Aquarium’s Chief Clinical Veterinarian, Dr. Jen Flower, proposed 3D printing.