Bloomfield High School – NSWC Crane
Loogootee High School
STIMULUS Engineering and Loughmiller Machine Tool and Design
The Defense Sector Workplace Simulation Project (WSP) is a phased implementation designed in partnership with NSWC Crane (Crane), STIMULUS Engineering and Loughmiller Machine Tool and Design. This WSP was developed for high school students from various classes including: algebra, geometry, computer science, ROTC, and Project Lead the Way’s Principles of Engineering (POE) and Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM).
In this systems engineering project, students are tasked to “Detect, Analyze, and Deter” a model intruder (a student designed robot). Detect students (Computer Science, POE, or ROTC students) design and build devices that detect the robot. Analyze students (algebra or geometry students) then have to mathematically analyze the intruder robot’s movements and then provide that information to the Deter students. Deter students (POE or CIM students) design and build a ‘deter” robot that can intercept the intruder using the data provided by the Analyze students.
In this semester-long project, industry professionals from the partner businesses work alongside the students and guide them as both mentors and role models. The project is conducted in a classroom that is designed specifically to represent partner workspaces as well as foster collaboration between the participating classes. To incorporate 21st century employability skills, model real-world environments and introduce and utilize the Engineering Design process, students periodically present what they are doing (and learning) to an audience of engineers. The project culminates with an event in which all classes showcase their designs, and projects, and the role each student played.
For each WSP, professional development is provided for both the participating teachers and the industry professional volunteers. Professional development includes training on both pedagogy and content knowledge as well as curriculum alignment and articulation.