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MILLCREEK TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT: BUILDING FOUNDATIONS FOR LIFE!
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McDowell student
Samantha Wismer is
wearing the Virtual
Reality headset.
M
cDowell High School students are
taking a leap into the future by
utilizing a new program at McDowell
High School, the “MILL” (McDowell Innovative
Learning Lab). The MILL is best described
as a space for students to obtain hands-on
experience with new technology, develop new
projects, and enhance their creative capacity.
The MILL is also designed for students to expand
their work on current projects or to facilitate an
interest unique to that student. The notion of
innovation and technology parallels the philosophy that guides
McDowell’s investment in science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics (STEM). Students who participate in STEM activities
often need an area where they can devote time and resources to
a specified interest or project. The MILL serves that purpose. “The
MILL is part of McDowell’s STEM program and contains equipment
for students to create, invent, and get exposed to new technology,”
said McDowell Technology Education teacher Kyle Bucholtz. The
space is also used on a regular basis for the more than 60 member
McDowell Robotics team. Approximately 80% of alumni who
participated in McDowell’s Robotics program are either enrolled in
a STEM College, post-secondary STEM experience, or work directly
in the field.
“Being able to work on one-of-a-
kind projects with state-of-the-
art technologies has pushed the
bounds of my creative thought
process.”
— Samantha Wismer
So, what new and emerging equipment is unique and available
to students, and how can students utilize it? Here are a few
examples of new and emerging technology students are using in
the MILL.
• Virtual Reality (VR) Headset and Computer with CAD
Integration – Computer Aided Drawings can be inserted in
the VR software and viewers have the ability to interact and
view 3D models of their drawings.
• Xbox Connect Sensor – through a partnership with Telerob
USA, Inc. students use the Xbox Connect Sensor to create 3D
maps (point clouds) which are then used to aid in navigation
of autonomous robots.
• Computer numerical control (CNC) – a common type of
machine that is used in this realm is known as a CNC mill.
30 Millcreek
Beau Seibel (on left) and
Daniel Mcquaid (on right)
work with electronic
equipment in the MILL.
Basically, this will allow a student to draw an object through a
computer program and cut out the object from the medium
of their choice (plastic, wood, metal, etc.). There are many
opportunities in our community for employment using CNC.
• Three dimensional (3D) printers – essentially allow for
students to create things beyond simply printing on paper.
Ekocyle 3D Printer, for example, uses recyclable plastic to
form a finished product.
• Arduino Microcontrollers – the lab is fully stocked with
Arduinos, sensors, and electrical components for prototype
development. Students use the Arduinos to create interactive
devices, from smart clothing that can sense the temperature
to autonomous GPS vehicles.
Generating interest and excitement over emerging technology
has its roots in other McDowell related programs as well. Three
related programs below offer promise to students who wish to
explore and fine tune their technological expertise:
TROJAN TECH CENTER
The Trojan Tech Center (TTC) is a K-12 initiative that invites
students to work side-by-side with teachers, staff, administration,
and our Department of Information Technology (DOIS). At each