mta matters - Career
Transcription
mta matters - Career
MTA MATTERS Newsletter of the Manufacturing Technology Academy of NW Michigan June - July 2014 Vol. 19 No. 2 Top Honors at National Robotics Competition Thankful Recognition Manufacturing Technology Academy (MTA) students mastered the April 2014 National Robotics Challenge (NRC) in Marion, Ohio. Competing against hundreds of college and high school teams, MTA student-built robots earned multiple first and second place awards, and ultimately scored the event’s top Special thanks to the financial partners who contribute resources and expertise for MTA’s annual robotic competitions. Because of their support, MTA students thrive and excel in a rich learning environment with valuable hands-on, collaborative experiences. Sponsors Welcome MTA is always seeking sponsors and grant opportunities. If you are an individual or company interested in collaborating with MTA, please contact Tim Wheatley at (231) 995-1304. Contact MTA Instructor Tim Wheatley honor, the coveted Honda Innovation Award. The team lead by Alexis Archer (Kalkaska High School), Mary Graham (Forest Area High School), and Amanda Lodge (Glen Lake High School) took first place in the manufacturing robotic work cell contest with their “Making Melodies” work cell, which also went on to be selected for the Honda Innovation Award. The winning cell used a robotic arm and aquarium components to fill stemmed glasses with water to the precise level that would allow it to play the musical tunes “Mary Had a Little Lamb” and “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.” The judges cited the cell’s clever design, original concept, and the team’s progressive project development as reasons why “Making Melodies” stood out from the 400 others vying for the Honda Innovation Award. (See page 2 for continued information on MTA robotics winners) (231) 995-1304 [email protected] MTA Student Awards MTA Guidance Board Chair Carl Kucsera (DURA Automotive, retired) Career-Tech Center Principal Pat Lamb MTA Mission Statement To provide a learning environment which motivates and enables students to acquire worldclass manufacturing and engineering skills while positioning them to compete and excel in the global market. MTA Matters Newsletter provided by the MTA Guidance Board, and published by TBAISD Information Services www.mta.tc CTC Outstanding Student Awards Connor Gidner Justin Cutler Grand Traverse Area Retired School Personnel Scholarship Colin May CTC Academic Scholarships Amanda Lodge Colin May Joel Zemanek Kettering University Technology Award Justin Cutler Randall Wallace National Technical Honor Society Scholarships Amanda Lodge Colin May Alec Stilwell Science, Math & Technology Award Alexis Archer NMC Founders Scholarship Josiah Bakker Boy Scout Scholarship Josiah Bakker Students of the Quarter Quarter 3: Quarter 1: Quarter 2: Tristan Waters Alec Stilwell Joel Zemanek Isaac Thelander Randall Wallace Kenton Long Record-Eagle Student Showcase Max Casler National Technical Honor Society Senior Honor Chords Alexis Archer Max Casler Colin May Josiah Bakker Michael Farese Alec Stilwell Michael Byard Mary Graham Joel Zemanek Amanda Lodge Congratulations to the Manufacturing Technology Academy Class of 2014 Alexis Archer Kalkaska High School Future: Bethany College Josiah Bakker T.E.A.C.H. Home School Future: Northwestern Michigan College Michael Byard Home School Future: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Maximilian Casler St. Francis High School Future: Michigan Technological University Luke Crawford Kalkaska High School Future: Michigan Technological University Colton Lowe Kingsley High School Future: Northwestern Michigan College Colin May Bellaire High School Future: University of Michigan Logan Moore TC West Senior High School Future: Michigan Technological University Austin Oberski Frankfort High School Future: Western Michigan University Rachael Peabody Benzie Central High School Future: Lake Superior State University Robotics Competions (continued from page 1) Another MTA robotics team designed their robotic “Garden Defender,” to visually track and discourage rodents from destroying garden vegetation. Colton Lowe (Kingsley High School), Austin Oberski (Frankfort High School), and Michael Rosek (Buckley High School) took first place in the robot construction contest. This project was also one of only 10 nominated for the Honda Innovation Award. Two additional MTA teams fielded robots that earned first and second places in the rescue robot contest. One of the rescue robot teams was made up of Michael Byard (Home School), Kevin Kolodziej (TC West Senior High), and Joel Zemanek (Traverse City West Senior High), whose strategy boiled down to “bigger is better.” The other rescue robot team went with a robust tank-like design, brainstormed by members Max Casler (St. Francis High School), Logan Moore (TC West Senior High), and Alec Stilwell (Bellaire High School). Students from both teams were charged with designing and building rugged remote-control vehicles capable of climbing a 45-degree plywood ramp, negotiating a bed of pea gravel and a six-inch-high beam, and using cameras to locate and retrieve four ping pong balls inside a dark plywood “cave.” To be competitive, the rescue robots had to deliver the balls to a pedestal in less than three minutes. A heavyweight sumo robot designed by Luke Crawford (Kalkaska), Tristan Waters (Mancelona), Josiah Bakker (home schooled), and Anthony Rice (St. Francis) experienced early elimination in seeding matches due to the last-minute failure of an electronic component. A sixth MTA team, Michael Farese (Lake Leelanau St. Mary School), Connor Gidner (Kingsley High School), Colin May (Bellaire High School), and Rachael Peabody (Benzie Central High School) competed in 2014 FIRST Robotics Competitions in an Aerial Assist field event with a fork lift-style robot. Experiencing some wins and some losses, the team saw improved success every step of the way. Students agree the challenge and excitement of every robotic competition is the highlight of their experience at MTA. Instructors value the team-building, project management and problem-solving skills the competitive and action packed environments offer. These project-based opportunities would not be possible without the support of many contributing sponsors. Many of the MTA teams’ robotic components were printed on 3D CAD and printing technology provided by Microline Technologies, NMC, RM Young, RJG Inc. and MTA. Learn more about MTA robotics and watch competition videos at www.mta.tc. Congratulations to the Manufacturing Technology Academy Class of 2014 Michael Farese Lake Leelanau St. Mary School Future: Case Western Reserve University Connor Gidner Kingsley High School Future: Northwestern Michigan College Mary Graham Forest Area High School Future: Grace Baptist College Kevin Kolodziej TC West Senior High School Future: Grand Valley State University Amanda Lodge Glen Lake High School Future: Hamilton College Anthony Rice St. Francis High School Future: Northwestern Michigan College Michael Rosek Buckley High School Future: Phoenix, Arizona Alec Stilwell Bellaire High School Future: Michigan Technological University Tristan Waters Mancelona High School Future: Northwestern Michigan College Joel Zemanek TC West Senior High School Future: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Outstanding Educator Leads to Outstanding Students Manufacturing Technology Academy mathematics instructor, Deborah Menchaca was selected to receive the prestigious Outstanding Educator Award. Deb is a gifted instructor whose job it is to “sell” top-quality math education. What sets Deb apart is that students overwhelmingly “buy in.” Her teaching strategy is effective because of her willingness to dig in and determine her students’ knowledge levels and begin building from there. MTA and other Career-Tech Center (CTC) students respond to Mrs. Menchaca’s enthusiasm for understanding and explaining how math applies in many real-life situations and careers. Colleagues rely on Deb’s expertise to ensure that students have the math instruction essential to the school’s technical programs. In fact, Principal Pat Lamb explained that she is one of the rare individuals who “is a change agent for growth, altering the direction of the Career-Tech Center’s educational system.” Her math instruction duties at the Manufacturing Technology Academy expanded to include tutoring students in many CTC programs. Deb models an integrated academic approach that ensures the growth of students and the entire school. Plus, Deb’s talent goes beyond instruction as she sincerely cares that students have what they need for success. Her warm relationships with them are based on mutual respect, and this allows her to enrich their education and their lives. Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District, in partnership with the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce and TBA Credit Union sponsor the annual Outstanding Educator Awards to honor those who demonstrate exemplary contributions and dedication to schools, students, peers, and communities. Manufacturing Technology Academy TBA ISD Career-Tech Center 880 Parsons Rd. Traverse City, MI 49686 Non-Profit U.S. Postage PAID Traverse City, MI Permit No. 115 CURRENT RESIDENT OR Please help us spread the news about the MTA! Share this newsletter with other parents, students or local employers. About MTA MTA Students work with a team of academic and technical instructors with access to mentors and industry experts for hands-on, technical experience. Parents value a tuition-free education in math, science, English, technology, and communication. Practical experiences in a manufacturing setting enhance the instruction. Counselors and teachers appreciate that MTA is a TBAISD program that does not reduce a school’s student funding. Students earn high school academic credits through integrated curriculum. Local businesses partner with MTA to develop a workforce prepared to compete in the global economy. Students benefit from job shadowing, mentoring and professional opportunities, building strong industry relationships. Above: MTA students strike a pose following the recent end-of the-year ceremony. Many were awarded scholarships and special honors in recognition of their achievements. Tell Your Friends... Be a Part of MTA! Manufacturing Technology Academy is a unique and enriching educational opportunity. Students are admitted each spring based on application. Application is simple: Visit MTA Arrange an MTA visit through a school counselor Complete and Mail Application Materials to MTA • • • • MTA application with counselor’s comments and signature 9th grade and first semester 10th grade transcripts One-paragraph essay explaining why student would like to attend MTA Two letters of recommendation (only one may be from an educator) Interview with MTA Manufacturer’s Council After full application review Await Notification Students notified of application status following interview Questions? Contact MTA Instructor Tim Wheatley at 995-1304 or [email protected]