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News for students, families and friends |
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Engineering Academy is Looking for its Next Students!
Spread the word to high school sophomores and juniors who want to learn more about Engineering Academy. All are invited to in-person and virtual information sessions about the program in January, February and March.
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Info sessions are offered virtually and in-person* at 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at Engineering Academy room 159A, Career Tech campus, 880 Parsons Road, Traverse City, 49686. Get more details here.
*Masks are required for those who attend in-person sessions.
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More about Engineering Academy
As a state and national award-winning STEM program, the Engineering
Academy (formerly Manufacturing Technology Academy) offers rigorous academics with a focus on engineering, English, economics, math, science and physics. Students earn a total of 8.5 academic and elective credits in this two-year program. Cross-curricular topics include 3D printing, basic construction and machining, computer-aided design, electrical, pneumatic systems, and statistics. The students' capstone project involves working in teams to design, build, and compete with robots at the National Robotics Challenge. This unique student culture is centered around problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork.
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Robotics Teams Set to Compete
Engineering Academy seniors are kicking off robotics season in preparation for National Robotics Challenge in Marion, Ohio in April. The competition is a highlight for the students and they rigorously plan to go up against other talented and motivated students from around the world. Here's a round-up of the Engineering Academy teams for 2022:
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Robo Hockey Teams
With the goal to place first and to win the Honda Innovation Award, Team Karkadan will design and create two hockey robots capable of moving 10 feet per second, and shoot the puck straight with force and accuracy. The robots' shells must be lightweight and strong enough to protect the internal electronics and able to withstand multiple hits from the opposing team. A new and creative design is essential to catch the judges' attention.
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Team Kerkopes' plan is to create two hockey robots that are able to shoot a puck quickly and accurately, and have the ability to move as directed with a speed under or equal to 10 feet per second. Both robots must also weigh less than 15 pounds and fit within a 12-inch cube. The team plans to meet all deadlines, plan ahead, and follow the golden rule of “measure twice, cut once.” To stay on track, they will evaluate progress weekly.
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Autonomous Vehicle Team
Team Frankenstein’s Autonomonster's strategy is to use every hour to create a robot smaller than 24 cubic inches, and one that is able to clear the course in 60 seconds or less. When this initial goal is met, the team will then formulate a way to complete each of the objectives in 15 seconds or less, and focus on a final point target of 440 points.
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Work Cell and MicroMouse
Team Theseus is setting out to win the MicroMouse competition by constructing a robot that fits in a seven-inch cube. The team will evaluate the best motors, wheels, and sensors to create a robot that can navigate any maze autonomously in under 60 seconds using a precise machine vision system. They plan to maintain open lines of communication, and meet deadlines for design and build.
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Teams Training
Engineering Academy juniors are participating in Teams Training at three local companies - Promethient, Bay Motor Products, and Britten BoxPop - where they
focus on problem solving using the Plan-Do-Study-Act problem-solving method for continuous improvement. With the help of these professional mentors, students learn techniques for asking the right questions to clearly identify a problem, compile data, and present a solution in a formal technical report. This training prepares students for the responsibilities they will encounter in college and careers.
Pictured above is the Bay Motor Products team led by Engineering Academy graduate and Manufacturing Engineer Justin Cutler (left to right): Justin Cutler, Anna Thayer, Isaac Deneau, Adyn McHugh, Skylar Werden, and Ethan Schwabe.
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Tech Showcase
Engineering Academy students attended the Industry 4.0 Technology Showcase hosted by Michigan Manufacturing Techology Center. They learned about innovations and impacts to industry and met the professionals who integrate them in business. Engineering Academy is well connected to organizations in the region that offer many opportunities to students to see technology in action.
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Alumni Spotlight
2019 graduates visited during holiday break (left to right):
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Casey Smith is at Michigan Tech University majoring in civil engineering and participating in Air Force ROTC.
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Grace Kolbusz works at Cherry Capital Airport for Delta/Unifi as a supervisor.
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Jaelyn Silk is at University of Illinois at Chicago majoring in industrial design.
"Engineering Academy students learn to manage their time and build work ethic. Both skills can help you get where you want to go." ~ Casey Smith
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Big Check for Big Ideas
Grand Traverse Area Manufacturing Council (GTAMC) presented Engineering Academy with a $10k check to support the program -- the largest gift in the history of the GTAMC golf outing fundraiser. In its 25th year, the event’s proceeds have supported the Engineering Academy’s robotics program that brings curriculum to the industry level. This year’s proceeds were $2,000 more than the previous year.
“GTAMC’s collaboration with Career Tech and Engineering Academy is a relationship built for mutual benefit,” said GTAMC Board Member and golf outing organizer Kevin Olds. “We support education in manufacturing-related fields and in return area businesses benefit from a well-prepared potential workforce.”
“The Grand Traverse Area Manufacturing Council has been a valuable supporter of Career Tech programs for a long time and we are incredibly grateful for such a generous donation that will directly benefit our students,” said Pat Lamb, Career Tech principal and assistant superintendent of career and technical education for North Ed. “Engineering Academy’s rigorous curriculum prepares students for careers in a field with a high demand for skilled, knowledgeable workers, and through the support of partners like GTAMC, our instructors are able to give students the hands-on experiences employers and colleges are looking for.”
Pictured above from left: Dennis Arouca (GTAMC), Jessica Gray (GTAMC), Kevin Olds (GTAMC), Debby Oliver (Engineering Academy Instructor), Will Finnegan (Engineering Academy Student), Matt Nausadis (Career Tech Asst. Principal), Don Howe (GTAMC)
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Northwest Education Services
Career Tech Engineering Academy
880 Parsons Road, Traverse City, MI 49686
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