Blogs & News
- Category: Technical Education
- DATE: April 25, 2023
H2I Group Provides the Tools Needed To Engage Students in a STEAM Education Well Before High SChool
Technology Education used to be a class that included building a bridge out of toothpicks or shooting off CO2 rockets. Over the years, technical education in schools has undergone significant changes. With the advances in technology, the importance of technical education has become even more apparent.
These days students are designing and printing their own 3D models on 3D printers- and it doesn’t stop there. They’re being trained on how to use CNC machines, robotics, laser engravers, large format printers, etc. STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) education has grown into a standard practice in middle and high schools across the country, and now it has become an integral part of elementary school education.
STRATASYS & ELEMENTARY STEAM EDUCATION
“Engaging in STEAM at a younger age, will lead to more of these students staying engaged with STEAM classes throughout high school and potentially entering higher education and workforce in one of these areas,” says Jesse Roitenberg, Americas Education Director at Stratasys, a leader in 3D printing products. He goes on to explain, when students have access to this technology their engagement goes way up. They want to put more time and effort into their designs and in turn, they’re paying more attention to the lesson being taught. Roitenberg says, “Even at a young age, touching and seeing your design is very impactful to learning about design and design thinking.”
Changing WORKFORCE
So why is this important? The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2019–20 employment projections show that jobs related to the STEAM field are expected to grow 8.0 percent by 2029, compared with 3.7 percent for all occupations. It seems now more than ever is the time to engage our students early and often.
3D printers aren’t the only products recommended for young learners. Schools are introducing coding classes, robotics, and other technical courses in their curriculums to provide students with the skills needed to succeed in the 21st-century workforce. By introducing these subjects at an early age, students are given the opportunity to learn and develop their skills, making them more competitive in the job market.
Other Technologies & STEAM
According to Universal Laser Systems, laser printing allows students to practice problem-solving, critical thinking skills, and team building. H2I Group Sales Representative and former Elementary Teacher, Larry Granec says laser engravers are widely used in middle and high schools and are filtering down for elementary use. He says, “In this digital world, if you’re going to teach digital graphics, do you want to just look at it on a screen or do you want to actually make something you can touch and share?” Granec says these tools teach all areas of STEAM. Students can create the artwork, measure a design and scale it to fit, and use the technology to create the tangible object. The technology uses physics, combustion, light, laser, etc. The whole process of designing, building, and using the machinery is engineering. “It’s a way of creating your own hands-on learning environment.”
It doesn’t stop there. The items created can then be used for many other areas of education.
“The groups that are using the technology to the fullest extent are not only printing student designs,” Jesse Roitenberg says, “but also print models to assist teachers in teaching. 3D printed fossils for teaching Science and History, mathematical models to showcase tough-to-visualize concepts, and much more.”
The integration of technical education in elementary schools is a significant development in the education system. It provides students with the opportunity to explore and develop their interests in technology, opening up a range of career possibilities. Technical education also prepares students for the future, where technology will play an even more prominent role in the workforce.
ABOUT H2I GROUP'S TECHNICAL EDUCATION DIVISION
H2I Group delivers exceptional technical education products and STEAM solutions that both enhance the learning experience of students and support educators. This includes everything from starter-level to industry-advanced equipment, like 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC routers, and more. In addition to being a full-service supplier of quality technical education products and solutions, H2I Group offers expert design assistance, budgeting support, coordination with other trades, installation, and on-site service and maintenance to help make your vision a reality.
Learn more about our technical education solutions or contact us today.
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