Think back to middle and high school. Were you a part of a club or two? Or maybe you were involved in basically everything that was offered? Have you ever reflected back to the time you spent in those organizations and the impact that experience had on your education and future? Maybe it was insignificant or incidental. But, maybe, the experience was pivotal to the person you became or to a career interest decision you made.
Topics: Hands-on Learning, Maker Ed, 21st Century Skills, Future Ready, Dragsters, TSA, STEM, Collaborations, Competitions, BEYOND THE CLASSROOM, Middle School, High School
It seems like every day is a holiday these days, but we’re not complaining. Let’s take a look at a day that really measures up.
On July 14, 1868, a gentleman by the name of Albert J. Fellows of Connecticut revolutionized an item we keep in our toolbox with his patent for a spring-click tape measure (Wired).
Rulers have been around since the days of the Romans, so Fellows isn’t the inventor of the tape measure. And he’s not even the originator of the steel spring measure; he improved Englishman James Chesterman’s steel band measuring chain, which was created in 1829 specifically for surveyors. The issues with Chesterman’s creation were its size and bulk, which also made it expensive. Fellows added a clip that kept the tape from retracting as well as a few other construction improvements, and the arrangement qualified him for his patent. So today’s tradesmen and craftsmen can thank Fellows for the modern tape measure.
Topics: Hands-on Learning, Activities, Dragsters, STEM, IDEAS & INSPIRATION, Competitions, Middle School, IN THE CLASSROOM
They say to do what makes your heart beat faster.
I’m not sure who “they” are, but if you ask most of the participants of Urban Search & Rescue, THEY would definitely agree.
Twenty-two states (plus Puerto Rico!), eight middle school teams, 22 high school teams, and five postsecondary teams attended SkillsUSA® nationals in Louisville, KY, June 25-29, all doing what makes their hearts beat faster – robotics and competition.
Topics: TETRIX Robotics, Future Ready, USAR, Engineering, Technology, ROBOTICS, Competitions, High School, Middle School
As one of Pitsco’s educational consultants, I work with a region of the US and assist with varied educational initiatives for schools. But one of the best parts of our work is when we get to be in schools or at events, meeting with students, educators, mentors, and volunteers.
At the end of February, I had the privilege of going to my first FIRST® Tech Challenge state championship after receiving a gracious invitation from the affiliate partner for the state of Illinois.
Topics: Technology, STEM, Collaborations, ROBOTICS, Competitions
This article originally appeared in the February-March 2018 issue of The Pitsco Network.
Topics: Coding, ROBOTICS, Engineering, USAR, Competitions
