The SLHS Technology & Engineering Program in upstate New York offers 15 different class opportunities for students to experience. You'll often see students coming in during their lunch periods and study halls to work because we provide content that excites them!
Our school is located in a rural area of the state.
The classrooms are filled with dedicated teachers who strive to excite students about the content and present opportunities for these kids to become excited about school and their future.
Students entering the Technology and Engineering Department range from 9th - 12th grade. The courses offered are all 1/2 year electives. To create an equal field for students coming from poverty, the courses are designed to give every student an equal opportunity with their peers by providing them with materials and tools to create, experiment, problem solve, and inspire. Small budgets for the technology and engineering department present challenges which are often met by developing relationships with community members and local business for support and creative project development. Having a quality project which supports the curriculum being taught is often done with recycled, donated, or discounted materials.
My Project
A big aspect which the Technology and Engineering department is trying to improve upon is newer material processing techniques and methods and contemporary technology systems. A big area in contemporary technology and engineering that our students are not being exposed to as of yet is the field of robotics. A robotics program revolves around problem solving skills through math, physics, material processing, and computer coding. Adding this curriculum will give students a valuable experience in these disciplines, which could lead to students pursuing the interests further into college.
Designing and prototyping custom parts are key elements in constructing a robot. Buying gears of different ratios, frame parts, axles, and wheels can be very costly. Having this 3D printer will not only allow the students to design and make their own parts, but save money by allowing them to make the parts themselves as opposed to buying them.
A 3D printer in the technology department will excite students to become involved in school and appreciate the opportunities adding extra electives to their schedules will bring.
Students will be able to see news reports on the rising 3D printing industry and say to their friends, "I got to use that tool in my robotics class" and hold up a gear that they designed fresh off the printer.
School is about building students' knowledge and experience and a 3D printer is a tool which can help that.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mr. Sorgule and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.