Author: David Yackuboskey

CADD Connections: Cadnetics

On April 2, 2017

One of the most gratifying moments for a teacher is to see students engaged in purposeful wonder. I saw this in my students’ interaction with James Mauler and Travis Johnson, the president and vice president of Cadnetics respectively. Facilitated by STEM Career Tours, students enrolled in the Introduction to Computer-Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) course at Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic High School were able to see how their newly acquired skills are put to work in Greater Pittsburgh. This blog will highlight student experiences on the final stop of the STEM tour, Cadnetics.

The use and application of technology captured students’ attention during our visit with James and Travis. They witnessed a laser scanner render a three-dimensional model of the room they were in. The model was created and could then be manipulated using similar CADD software to what we use in the classroom. Of course, I had to deflect questions like, “why don’t we have a laser scanner at school,” and “why can’t we make models like this!” But, these questions reflect a level of interest and engagement I had not seen in the classroom.

The curriculum at CWNCHS emphasizes the capability of computers to increase, Precision, Efficiency, and Communication in the design process. Of these three, Communication in design was demonstrated at Cadnetics. We learned that the company provides services to multiple disciplines across many industries. The common thread was communication through visualization of a project. Whether through technical drawings or illustrative renderings, Cadnetics can put a computer two work with purpose. Students were struck by the fact that this local company is having a national and even global impact through their knowledge of CAD.

The most important lesson students gleaned during our trip was that the company covets students with short term, 1-2 year, technical degrees. Cadnetics values employees with very specified skill sets. James commented that jack-of-all-trade graduates with 4-year degrees often lack the ability to produce results efficiently. This was a refreshing perspective from an employer who is constantly looking for talent to grow his business. Students need to see that a 4-year degree is not the only path that can lead to success. Perhaps one of my CAD students will work for Cadnetics one day.

CADD Connections: Robert Morris University’s Department of Engineering

By David Yackuboskey

On March 24, 2017

In Uncategorized

One of the most rewarding challenges for a classroom teacher is to use curriculum as a means to connect students to their desired end, to stimulate their thinking and illuminate possible career paths. Facilitated by STEM Career Tours, students enrolled in the Introduction to Computer-Aided Design and Drafting course at Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic High School were able to see how their newly acquired skills are put to work in Greater Pittsburgh. This blog will highlight student experiences on the second stop of the STEM tour, Robert Morris University’s Department of Engineering.

Students immediately contrasted the scale of RMU’s STEM efforts to our own at CWNC. They were blown away by the amount of computer aided machinery available to the engineering students. As a teacher, it was encouraging to hear phrases like “I might just apply here,” and “wait, you mean students can use all of this?”

In our CADD class, students have been using software to create digital models. At RMU, students got to see how these models can be fabricated through the manufacturing process. Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) was on full display in the department of engineering, and it peaked students’ curiosity and creativity. They wondered how a 2D drawing could be used to guide the arm of a robotic router and etch a precise name into a plastic block. They also mused about the countless other applications of this technology. Seeing this inspired me to push the curriculum further in future iterations of this course. It is my goal to provide opportunities for students to fabricate their own drawings and complete the CADD-CAM loop.

Our trip to RMU gave students a taste of what it would be like to continue to develop their CADD skills at the university level, they also got a literal taste of college when we stopped for lunch at a campus dining hall. Over lunch, I had the opportunity to chat with some students about their experience. Flashy highlights included the laser scanner that can generate a 3D CADD model from live readings in real-time and the massive machine responsible for pressing out plastic molds, but the most impactful comments involved a deeper realization. Students recognized that the seemingly simple skills they are developing in class are being honed at universities across the nation and deployed to solve some of our generations most pressing challenges. For example, we learned CADD-CAM is assisting concussion research and the development of prosthetics for amputees.

I like to change the narrative on the classic question “what do you want to do when you grow up?” Instead, I ask students what problem they are interested in solving with their life’s work. On this stop of our STEM Careers Tour, students saw that RMU is asking the same question of its engineering students.

CADD Connections: Michael Baker International

By David Yackuboskey

On March 1, 2017

In Computer Aided Drafting, Mechanical Engineering

One of the most exciting aspects of a classroom teacher’s job is to connect their curriculum to real-world applications. Facilitated by Grow a Generation’s STEM Career Tours, students enrolled in the Introduction to Computer-Aided Design and Drafting course at Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic High School were able to see how their newly acquired skills are put to work in Greater Pittsburgh. This blog will highlight student experiences on the first stop of the STEM tour, Michael Baker International.

Our experience at Michael Baker immediately validated the CADD curriculum at CWNCHS. Students had the opportunity to see the actual models used in the construction and renovation of our roadways. The models were generated using the same computer software we use in the classroom. In fact, the models looked strikingly similar to the types of projects students had been completing throughout the first semester. Although the projects were more robust, drafters had to use the same skills to develop them.

Tiahjure Harp, Zachary Diethorn, Ryan Baranowski, Nicholas Habrle, and Teacher David Yackuboskey from Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic visiting Michael Baker on a STEM Career Tour

Students work with the bridge inspector, training software. Yet another example of computers facilitating the field of transportation engineering.

One of the critiques of the course from one student’s perspective, Landon Pringle – a junior at CWNC, is that the content can be “tedious, and kind of boring.” That same student couldn’t imagine the amount of detail oriented effort if would take to create such a model. When asked for his thoughts, Landon replied, “I don’t think I could be a transportation engineer. I mean it’s cool, but painstaking.” From a teacher’s perspective, it means a lot to see that the skills used in the classroom are necessary in the work place. Being able to reveal that to a student is what teaching is all about, even if they realize this particular career field doesn’t fit their skill set.

The CADD curriculum at CWNCHS emphasizes the capability of computers to increase, Precision, Efficiency, and Communication in the design process. Of these three, Efficiency in the field of transportation engineering, was on full display at Michael Baker International. Representatives showcased Michael Baker’s very own software that automates computer generated renderings of bridge cross-sections. By simply inputting a few dimensions that are specific to the project, a drafter can efficiently compile a set of drawings to be quality checked by an engineer. A second tool Michael Baker highlighted was bridge inspection, training software. Students used the same software bridge inspectors are trained with to examine a virtual bridge; they navigated an environment, selected tools and analyzed structural concerns. While this not a drafting application it is a prime example of using computers to increase efficiency in the field of transportation engineering.

All in all, the time spent with Michael Baker International enriched the classroom experience. CWNCHS is grateful for the opportunity to team up with STEM Career Tours and provide this trip for our students.