A program to improve manufacturing learning using simulation and automation

This paper discusses an NSF RET program that focuses on improving manufacturing learning using simulation and automation. The program participants are high school teachers and community college faculty who will develop skills in manufacturing research, technical writing, curriculum development, and conference presentation. The goals of the proposed program are to: 1) provide a STEM-based platform to engage high school teachers and community college instructors in state-of-the-art manufacturing research, 2) explore a sustainable educational model that connects high schools, community colleges, university, and industry to instill future generations with greater awareness and interest in manufacturing, 3) facilitate the development of curricular modules, classroom activities, and other instructional materials that will be implemented in the participating schools and colleges eventually to be disseminated to a broader audience nationally, and 4) help fill the skills gap in U.S. manufacturing and prepare high school and college students for undergraduate studies and/or careers in manufacturing. Both internal and external evaluations of the learning outcomes are ongoing and assessment results are presented.