WINDBER —
When Windber Area School District students return to classes at the end of the month, they’ll discover some cutting-edge technology.
The district has launched its integrated prekindergarten through grade 12 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Initiative that will promote education in these and related fields so students are better prepared to study STEM fields in college and pursue STEM-related careers.
On Wednesday, district officials toured the newly renovated technology and engineering education classrooms in the high school and displayed some of the recently purchased equipment.
“We saw what was coming down the road with technology education, so we wanted to look at this systematically and with a planned approached,” said Glenn Gaye Jr., the district’s director of education. “For about a year to
15 months we did school and college visits and spoke to business leaders to see what we needed to do to put this together.”
The curriculum the district is implementing, Engineering by Design, will be used by students in grades six through 12, with grade five being introduced to technology and engineering concepts in January. As the program grows through the years, the curriculum will be expanded to younger students.
Along with a variety of computers, smartboards and flat-screen TVs, the classrooms have been outfitted with a state-of-the-art plasma cutting machine, laser printer, simulation printer and a 3D printer that allows students to reproduce a plastic prototype of things they have created and drawn.
“These machines expose kids to industry standard materials,” said Tim Saylor, a tecnology and engineering teacher. “Students are using all the same hardware but on a smaller scale.”
Saylor said students have expressed an interest in the program already and the classes are full.
“The program sells itself,” he said.
“This allows our kids to be more competitive when they enter into the work force.”
Because of the new curriculum, the district plans to create a Technology Student Association in which students will design a project that represents the engineering/technology field. They then will compete with other school districts on a state and national level.
Gaye Jr. said the equipment was purchased with district money that was allotted for the program and through grant and local funding.
“We are in this for the long run and it’s a long-term goal of the district to see this initiative grow,” he said.
Local News
Related Photos
-
Superintendent Rick Huffman displays Windber Area School District’s new 3D printer during a technology tour at the high school on Wednesday. The printer enables students to produce 3D plastic prototypes like the one he’s holding from their drawings. Todd Berkey
Discussion
Course for the future
Windber schools launch high-tech education program
- Local News
-
-
Local events commemorate Memorial Day
Throughout Greater Johnstown, the military was honored on Memorial Day for its sacrifices with marching bands, military hardware, beauty queens and flag raisings.
-
Digital mammography available in the region
Digital mammography is now available at locations throughout the Conemaugh Health System.
-
State may take over financially distressed school districts
Pennsylvania’s four most financially distressed school districts could be facing a state takeover, and more districts may be on the way.
-
Trial in cross-burning case set for July
The trial of a Centre County man in a cross-burning case – originally slated for this month – now is scheduled for July 23 in U.S. District Court in Johnstown.
-
Pedals for Progress: Rotarians collecting used bikes for third-world countries
The Richland Rotary Club is collecting used bicycles June 16 that will be refurbished for use by the working poor and children in developing countries.
-
PennDOT lauds outstanding workers
PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch has recognized 31 PennDOT employees for their outstanding performance with the Star of Excellence Award, the department’s highest recognition.
-
Critical ‘Victim 2’ decision awaits Sandusky judge
A judge will soon decide the most significant pretrial issue in former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky’s child sexual-abuse case: Whether to dismiss charges.
-
In brief: Several hurt in Northern Cambria crash
Several people were injured early Monday in a one-vehicle wreck on Plattsville Hill Road, authorities said.
-
Proposed bill would expand use of traffic-light cameras
Some call it the hand of “big brother,” others are convinced cameras at signal lights would be effective in curbing red-light runners and ultimately saving lives.
-
Minister's trial date set
An issue has been resolved over the report from an examination of a girl allegedly taken by her mother to a Bedford motel to have sex with a traveling minister, clearing the way for a trial.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Air Canada Plane Makes Emergency Landing
Raw Video: 19 Dead in Qatar Shopping Mall Fire
Beryl Makes Landfall on Florida Coast
Service Dogs Help Wash. Soldiers Battling PTSD
Raw Video: Heckler Bursts in on Blair Testimony
Japan Farmers Plant, Seek Radiation-free Rice
UN Blames Syrian Forces for Shelling Houla
Raw Video: Gay Protest Blocked in Moscow
Vatican in Chaos After Butler Arrested for Leaks
Jimmy Carter Endorses Egypt's Election Results
Biden Addresses West Point Graduating Class
Dozens of Children Killed in New Syria Attack
Raw Video: Activists Allege Massacre in Syria
NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz
Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window
