Tech Directions - February 2008 - (Page 9)

the news report Susanne Peckham susanne@techdirections.com Students Build Motorcycle Masterpiece Instructors in the Industrial Studies program at Wabash Valley College, Mt. Carmel, IL, wanted to give students a challenging project that would both develop and showcase their skills. The result: A motorcycle-building project, but not just any bike—a chopper to rival those of Orange County. Nineteen students and four instructors took part in the activity. Students produced all parts that could reasonably be machined at the college: triple trees, handlebars, wheel blanks, foot controls, exhaust, seat pan, battery box, oil tank, fender struts, brackets, and bolts. Fenders and fuel tank were purchased and modified. Parts were designed in SolidWorks and produced using FeatureCAM. The chopper’s engine is a stock Harley Davidson 1340. It has a five-speed Ultima transmission and 3" exposed primary drive. Students from the college’s machining, manufacturing, and electronics programs collaborated on the project. Students in the collision repair program at Olney (IL) Central College applied paint and graphics. “In all my years of teaching, I have never seen more enthusiasm, attention to detail, and teamwork,” said Mark Pettigrew, lead machine shop technology instructor at Wabash. “When we unveiled the bike to the public, you could see how proud the students were.” as service learning has documented benefits in students’ education outcomes and community development. Our students and teachers are champions at work and these grants will allow them to build lots of things together.” For information on SkillsUSA, visit www.SkillsUSA.org. For information on Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation, visit www. Lowes.com/community. Career Development for Educators Teacher-World.com collects information about career development programs, including credential and advanced degree programs, for teachers and administrators in all states. For more information visit www.teacher-world.com. Free Supplies Do you need classroom supplies but find there’s no money left in your budget to afford them? Then, why not check out the National Association for the Exchange of Industrial Resources? This nonprofit organization accepts donations of excess inventory from companies and then redistributes it to schools. They’ve got all kinds of materials— from paper and pencils to games and decorations—and they’re all free. To get involved in the program, administrators should call 800-5620955 or e-mail member@naeir.org for a free membership kit. Author Correction Tech Directions incorrectly identified Lynn Gorman as author of “Electrathon Vehicle Competition Draws It All Together,” which ran in the January issue. While Lynn coordinated the gathering of materials for the article, its author is Joel Cassola, a freelance writer, Cranston, RI. We apologize for the error. Lowe’s Awards Grants to 20 SkillsUSA Schools The Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation has contributed $10,000 to each of 20 SkillsUSA schools, with a goal of helping to address the growing skilled worker shortage and “skills gap.” The schools were selected as a result of innovative projects or program enhancements that they have implemented. The grants are designed to further the SkillsUSA program, provide awareness of technical careers and training opportunities, and highlight the good work that SkillsUSA does. Lowe’s will next award $10,000 grants to SkillsUSA chapters involved in innovative community service projects. “The partnership of Skills USA and Lowe’s will have an important impact on education and economic development, said Tim Lawrence, executive director of SkillsUSA. “Skills-USA helps students develop their abilities in areas highlighted by employers. And community service Events Feb. 21-23. International Technology Education Association Annual Conference. Salt Lake City, UT. www. iteaconnect.org. Mar. 16-19. HVAC Excellence Educators and Trainers Conference. Las Vegas, NV. www.hvacexcellence.org. Mar. 27-30. National Science Teachers Association National Conference. Boston, MA. www.nsta.org/conferences. Mar. 28-29. Ohio Technology Education Association Annual Spring Conference. Worthington, OH. www.otea. info. Susanne Peckham is managing editor of Tech Directions. www.techdirections.com NEWS REPORT 9 http://www.SkillsUSA.org http://www.Lowes.com/community http://www.Lowes.com/community http://Teacher-World.com http://www.teacher-world.com http://www.iteaconnect.org http://www.iteaconnect.org http://www.hvacexcellence.org http://www.nsta.org/conferences http://www.otea.info http://www.otea.info http://www.techdirections.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Tech Directions - February 2008

Tech Directions - February 2008 Technically Speaking Contents Direct from Washington The News Report Technology’s Past Technology Today Mastering Computers How Engineers Engineer—Lessons from My First Big Engineering Project Tips on Creating Complex Geometry Using Solid Modeling Software Press to Test—Shop-Built BJT Checker Is Easy Cable Television Technician International Technology Education Association Conference—Teaching TIDE with Pride Professional Development Opportunities Product Central Free for the Asking More than Fun

Tech Directions - February 2008

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