Hillsborough County High School Teachers Get a Taste of 3D Technologies

On January 17, 2012, twenty Hillsborough County high school STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) teachers spent a half day at a special FLATE educator workshop at EMS-USA in Tampa. EMS is a leading provider of product design, 3D scanning and rapid prototyping products and services. Their shop is a hub of activity with several engineering and technicians working on a wide array of projects. As the teachers entered an exciting world of 3D technologies, they learned the applications are endless, and crosscut many disciplines ranging from architecture, anthropology art, designer vehicles, to biology, historic restorations, forensics, and medical devices and products. Teachers also got an in-depth overview on a variety of applications, and got a live demonstration of SpaceClaim—a simple 3D design software, that was remotely presented by experts in Boston.

Teachers took away lots of applications of these advanced technologies; great classroom resources to share with their students and most importantly lots of information about exciting STEM careers that they can share with their students. As one social science teacher said, “Wow – everything about this workshop was exciting. It will be great to share the mix of technology with humanities and social sciences with my students.” EMS-USA has a lot of videos and photos of their projects on their website and YouTube channel. Everyone is encouraged to check them out.

A big “thank you” to Mark Kemper, COO, and Eric Wenhem, account & marketing manager, for the presentations and demonstrations. FLATE and EMS–USA will be offering additional workshops for teacher later this year so other teachers can share their fascinating experiences. As Mark Kemper told the group, we need more students to go in to STEM fields and EMS-USA is hiring right now! For more information about the workshop, please contact Marilyn Barger at barger@fl-ate.org. For information on EMS-USA visitwww.ems-usa.com.